DISC, Myers-Briggs, Enneagram: Self Assessment Tools for Personal and Organizational Growth

Audio Unlocking Human Potential: Self Assessment Tools for Personal and Organizational Growth

Video DISC, Myers-Briggs, Enneagram: Self Assessment Tools for Personal and Organizational Growth

Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Following are the sections we covered in this conversation with their summaries, along with the time location in the video and audio to follow along. The timestamps in orange correspond to the chapters in the YouTube version of the podcast episode. This video will display to the lower right as you scroll down. 

00:00 Selected Highlights from the Conversation with Karl Hebenstreit

This segment, the "trailer" of the episode, highlights snippets of the conversation that spotlight Karl's wisdom on using self-assessment tools for personal self-exploration and for creating high-performing organizations. 

01:26 Context and Introduction of Karl Hebenstreit

"The Business Philosopher Within You" podcast, hosted by Bhavesh Naik, explores the profound impact of engaging with our work, teams, and organizations with the full depth of our humanity. By doing so, we unlock effortless productivity and performance, leading to high-performing, enduring organizations.

A foundational theme of this podcast is the idea that when we engage with our work, our team, our business, or our organization with the absolute depth of our humanness, we unlock effortless productivity and performance.

To achieve this level of engagement, it is essential to connect with the core of what it means to be human, both individually and collectively. Self-assessment tools and frameworks like DISC, Myers-Briggs, and Enneagram are valuable resources for this self-exploration.

In this episode, Bhavesh Naik introduces a special guest, Karl Hebenstreit. 

Karl is a certified executive coach, international speaker, author, and organization development consultant. He holds a PhD in organizational psychology, an MS in human resource management, and a BA in psychology, French, and political science. Karl is certified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, an accredited Enneagram teacher, and an IEA professional with distinction. 

He is also the author of three books, including "How and Why: Taking Care of Business with the Enneagram" and "Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision," which introduces children to the Enneagram.

03:07 The Inspiration Behind 'Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision'

The children's book, Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision, was inspired by the desire to instill emotional intelligence and understanding at an early age. The author, Karl Hebenstreit, after publishing a business book titled The How and Why of Taking Care of Business with Enneagram in 2016, realized the potential benefits of teaching these concepts to children.

The idea was to simplify and adapt one chapter from the business book, focusing on decision-making, to make it accessible and understandable for children. This approach, described as "childrenifying," aims to equip the next generation with the tools to better understand themselves and others, fostering improved relationships and emotional intelligence from a young age.

The author believes that by teaching these skills early, children will grow up to have more harmonious relationships, both personally and professionally. This early learning is seen as a way to ease the challenges faced in various aspects of life, including work and personal interactions.

Additionally, the inspiration was fueled by a friend's collaboration with his mother on a book, which sparked the idea of making the Enneagram more accessible to younger audiences. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a better world by nurturing a generation that is more emotionally intelligent and capable of making thoughtful decisions.

05:48 Evolving Beyond the Golden Rule

The concept of the "Golden Rule"—treating others the way you want to be treated—has long been considered a fundamental principle in many cultures and religions. However, this approach may not be as inclusive or effective as once thought.

"The golden rule is pretty much pervasive in all religions."

Limitations of the Golden Rule

The Golden Rule assumes that everyone shares the same values and desires, which can be quite self-centered. It suggests that one's own preferences are universally applicable, potentially dismissing the diverse perspectives and experiences of others. In a world rich with varied cultures, beliefs, and values, this rule may fall short in fostering true understanding and connection.

Introducing the Platinum Rule

To address these limitations, the "Platinum Rule" is proposed: "Treat others the way they want to be treated." This approach emphasizes empathy and understanding, encouraging us to consider others' perspectives, motivations, and histories. By doing so, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships and gain a broader understanding of the world.

The Rhodium Rule: A Step Further

Beyond the Platinum Rule, the "Rhodium Rule" is introduced as an even more refined approach. It involves integrating the diverse perspectives and insights gained from others into our own worldview. This process not only expands our understanding but also enriches our interactions, allowing us to see the world through a more inclusive and comprehensive lens.

09:29 DISC and Its Historical Roots 

The DISC model, a tool for understanding human behavior, has roots that trace back to ancient times. Despite its significance, many people are unfamiliar with DISC. This model is built on the idea that each individual is unique, shaped by a complex mix of belief systems, values, and psychological conditioning.

Historical Context

The origins of DISC can be linked to various ancient cultures. In Greek culture, the concept of the four humors was used to understand human behavior. Similarly, the Chinese system of I Ching and the Indian philosophy of Ayurveda were employed to address health and personality traits. These systems were primarily used by doctors to determine appropriate treatments for individuals, highlighting the early recognition of personalized approaches to health and behavior.

Modern Applications

Today, DISC is utilized to facilitate self-examination and improve interpersonal understanding. It helps individuals recognize their own behavioral patterns and those of others, fostering better communication and relationships. The model encourages awareness, which is crucial for personal growth and overcoming perceived limitations.

The discussion also touches on the importance of awareness in breaking free from self-imposed limitations. By understanding the "boxes" we place ourselves in, individuals can explore new ways of thinking and behaving, leading to innovation and personal development.

18:16 Understanding DISC: The 4 Quadrants of Behavior 

The DISC model is a powerful tool for understanding human behavior, breaking it down into four distinct quadrants: Dominant, Influencing, Steady, and Compliant. This model is based on two axes: thinking versus feeling, and intuitive versus sensing, creating a two-dimensional framework that helps categorize behavioral tendencies.

"The whole concept behind DISC is it's behavior."

The Four Quadrants

1. Dominant (D)
   • Characteristics: Assertive, energetic, and sometimes aggressive.
   • Color Association: Red, symbolizing passion and outward energy.
   • Behavior: Focused on execution and achieving goals.
     
     
2. Influencing (I)
   • Characteristics: Cheerful, positive, and motivational.
   • Color Association: Yellow, representing a softer, more engaging approach.
   • Behavior: Concerned with perception and inspiring others.
     
     
3. Steady (S)
   • Characteristics: Predictable, orderly, and calm.
   • Color Association: Green, indicating a preference for stability and regularity.
   • Behavior: Desires consistency and avoids chaos.
     
     
4. Compliant (C)
   • Characteristics: Analytical, focused, and detail-oriented.
   • Color Association: Blue, reflecting a methodical and conscientious nature.
   • Behavior: Values accuracy and precision.

Variations and Interpretations

DISC has evolved over time, with various interpretations and names such as "Insights" or "The Four Seasons." Despite these variations, the core principles remain consistent, focusing on observable behaviors and preferences.

The DISC model serves as a foundational tool for understanding both personal and others' behaviors, providing insights into decision-making and interaction styles. While it is a useful starting point, it is important to recognize its limitations and the potential for more complex behavioral dynamics.

Read more about DISC here.

23:33 Myers-Briggs: Expanding the Behavioral Model 

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely recognized tool for understanding personality types, based on the theories of Carl Jung. It introduces additional dimensions to personality assessment, expanding beyond the DISC model.

Introduction to Myers-Briggs and Its Additional Dimensions

The MBTI adds two key dimensions: extroversion versus introversion, and judging versus perceiving. These dimensions help categorize individuals into one of sixteen personality types, offering a more nuanced understanding of human behavior. The model suggests that people tend to polarize on these scales, identifying as one type or another, although this can change over time, especially during midlife.

Detailed Explanation of the Four Dimensions

Extroversion vs. Introversion

• Extroversion: Individuals gain energy from social interactions and external activities. They are often outgoing and assertive.
• Introversion: Individuals recharge through solitude and introspection. They tend to be more reserved and thoughtful.

Sensing vs. Intuition

• Sensing (S): Focuses on concrete information and details. Sensing types prefer practical and factual data.
• Intuition (N): Prefers abstract concepts and big-picture thinking. Intuitive types are more imaginative and future-oriented.

Thinking vs. Feeling

• Thinking (T): Decisions are made based on logic and objective criteria. Thinkers value consistency and fairness.
• Feeling (F): Decisions are influenced by personal values and the impact on others. Feelers prioritize harmony and empathy.

Judging vs. Perceiving

• Judging (J): Prefers structure, order, and planning. Judging types like to have things settled and organized.
• Perceiving (P): Flexible and adaptable, perceiving types prefer to keep options open and go with the flow.

Formation of 16 Personality Types

These four dimensions combine to form 16 distinct personality types, each with unique behavioral tendencies. For example, an ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) is typically practical and organized, while an ENFP (Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) is often enthusiastic and creative.

Behavioral Tendencies and Changes Over Time

Behavioral tendencies associated with each dimension can shift over time, particularly during midlife or under stress. For instance, an extrovert may become more introverted in certain situations, reflecting the dynamic nature of personality.

The Value of Myers-Briggs in Self-Awareness

The primary benefit of the MBTI is self-awareness. It helps individuals understand their behavioral tendencies and preferences, such as how they regain energy—extroverts by socializing and introverts by solitude. It also explores how people take in information and make decisions, whether through logic or values.

Behavioral Preferences and Tendencies

The MBTI examines how people perceive time and structure their lives. Judging types prefer order and schedules, while perceiving types are more flexible and spontaneous. These insights can guide individuals in personal and professional settings, helping them adapt to different situations.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite its usefulness, the MBTI is not without limitations. It cannot fully capture the complexity of human personality, as each individual is unique. However, it remains a valuable tool for gaining insights into personal behavior and improving interpersonal relationships.

For further exploration of the Myers-Briggs model, you can visit the Wikipedia page Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. 

30:46 The Enneagram: Understanding Core Motivations 

The Enneagram is a powerful tool for understanding the core motivations that drive human behavior. Unlike other systems such as DISC or Myers-Briggs, which focus on describing behaviors, the Enneagram delves into the "why" behind these behaviors. It helps us understand the underlying motivations that lead to the actions we observe.

The enneagram tells us that there are nine primary core motivations.

Overview of the Enneagram

The Enneagram identifies nine primary core motivations, each of which influences how individuals perceive and interact with the world. These motivations are deeply rooted in our nature and nurture, solidifying during childhood as a means of survival and understanding.

The Nine Core Motivations

Each person has one dominant core motivation among the nine, which shapes their life approach. These motivations are categorized into three centers:

1. Head Center (Thinking Types):
   
   • Type 5: The Observer - Logical and objective, seeking knowledge to avoid looking foolish.
   • Type 6: The Loyal Skeptic - Focused on worst-case scenarios to ensure safety and security.
   • Type 7: The Epicure - Optimistic and adventurous, seeking the best-case scenarios and opportunities.
     
     
2. Heart Center (Feeling Types):
   
   • Type 2: The Helper - Focused on helping others to be liked, often neglecting their own needs.
   • Type 3: The Achiever - Goal-oriented, valuing accomplishment over personal feelings.
   • Type 4: The Individualist - Deeply connected to emotions, seeking authenticity and uniqueness.
     
     
3. Gut Center (Action Types):
   
   • Type 8: The Challenger - Decisive and assertive, taking immediate action.
   • Type 9: The Peacemaker - Prefers harmony, often delaying action to avoid conflict.
   • Type 1: The Perfectionist - Driven by doing the right thing according to personal values.

How the Enneagram Differs from Other Models

The Enneagram's focus on core motivations rather than behaviors sets it apart from other models. It provides insight into why individuals act the way they do, helping to avoid the fundamental attribution error where we judge others without understanding their motivations.

For further exploration, consider reviewing resources and materials that delve deeper into the Enneagram and its applications.

50:41 Applications and Pitfalls of Self-Assessment Tools

Self-assessment tools, such as the Enneagram, DISC, and Myers-Briggs, are widely used in organizations for personal and team development. However, their application is not without challenges and potential misuses.

Benefits of Using Self-Assessment Tools

These tools can provide valuable insights into individual behaviors, motivations, and interpersonal dynamics. They help in understanding oneself and others, fostering better communication and collaboration within teams. When used correctly, they can be a powerful aid in personal development and organizational growth.

Potential Pitfalls and Misuse

A significant risk is the misuse of these tools as excuses for inflexibility or as a means to label and box individuals. For instance, someone might say, "This is the way I am. I'm not going to change," using their assessment results as a justification for not adapting or growing. This mindset can hinder personal development and team dynamics.

Another pitfall is focusing solely on the results of these assessments without considering the broader context. Organizations may prioritize hard skills over emotional intelligence and cultural fit, leading to negative impacts on team performance and organizational culture.

Importance of Emotional Intelligence and Growth

The antidote to the misuse of self-assessment tools lies in fostering a culture of openness and curiosity. Encouraging individuals to integrate different perspectives and develop emotional intelligence is crucial. This approach helps in moving beyond rigid labels and promotes adaptability and growth.

Organizations should focus on hiring and developing individuals who align with their core values and mission. By emphasizing both the "what" and the "how" in performance evaluations, companies can ensure a more holistic approach to development.

57:36 Passion, Self-Awareness, and Future of Humanity

In this concluding section, we explore the profound insights shared by Karl on the importance of passion and self-awareness in shaping the future of humanity. Karl's journey into organizational development and self-awareness began with a shift from French and political science to psychology, where he discovered his true passion. This transition highlights the significance of following one's interests and talents, even when they diverge from initial expectations.

Karl emphasizes the role of self-awareness in creating positive change within organizations. By understanding and implementing frameworks like the Enneagram, organizations can foster environments where employees feel understood, involved, and psychologically safe. This approach not only enhances individual well-being but also drives innovation and collaboration.

"My nature is to be hopeful. I wanna make positive change."

Looking towards the future, Karl remains optimistic about humanity's progress. He believes that the current global challenges, such as climate change and social unrest, are catalysts for change. These challenges are prompting more people to seek new ways of thinking and acting, leading to a more open and receptive world.

Karl's passion for travel and teaching the Enneagram further illustrates his commitment to spreading self-awareness and understanding. Whether presenting at conferences or engaging with people on cruise ships, he finds joy in inspiring others to learn more about themselves and their interactions with others.

In summary, Karl's hopeful outlook and dedication to fostering self-awareness and positive change offer a compelling vision for the future of humanity. His work underscores the potential for growth and transformation when individuals and organizations embrace self-awareness and passion.

01:05:33 Getting in Touch with Karl Hebenstreit

If you're interested in learning more about Karl Hebenstreit or wish to connect with him, here are some ways to do so:

Contact Information

• Website: Visit performandfunction.com for more information. As Karl describes, "Perform and function is a play on form and function, and then we add perform, make it perform and function dot com."
• LinkedIn: Follow Karl Hebenstreit on LinkedIn to keep up with his posts and professional journey. He mentions, "You can get in touch with me that way. Ask me questions. I'm happy to chat about anything, Enneagram or anything organization development oriented."

Books and Resources

Karl has authored several books that delve into organizational development and personal growth:

• "Taking Care of Business with the Enneagram": Now in its third edition, this book explores the Enneagram's application in business settings.
• "Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision": A children's book available in English, Spanish, French, and Greek.
• "Explicit Expectations": This book focuses on making implicit expectations explicit within organizations, helping leaders and managers understand and communicate expectations effectively.

Engage with Karl

Karl encourages engagement and is open to discussions about the Enneagram, organizational development, and how to make the world a better place. He states, "I'm happy to chat about anything, Enneagram or anything organization development oriented and, how to make the world a better place."