Unlocking Leadership Excellence: How to Apply the Tentacles Framework in Your Workplace

 In my book Reef - Transformational leadership , I introduce the Tentacles Framework, a model born

from years of research and focus groups exploring the traits employees value most in their leaders.

One common question I hear is:

“How do we actually use this framework in the workplace?”

The answer is simple: make it practical and actionable.

Here are four powerful ways to integrate the Tentacles Framework into your organisation:

  • Recruitment & Selection: Use these traits as benchmarks when hiring for leadership roles from junior managers to senior executives.
  • Leadership Development: Embed these traits into training programs to cultivate future-ready leaders.
  • Performance Reviews & Succession Planning: Evaluate leaders against these traits to guide promotions and career progression.
  • Team Culture Workshops: Align team values and behaviors by incorporating these traits into culture-building sessions.

For You as a Leader

Want to know where you stand? Take the Tentacles survey. But answer honestly. Based on your scores, identify areas for growth and revisit this guide for practical strategies to strengthen each trait.

Improving Low-Scoring Traits: Actionable Tips

If your results show room for improvement, here are targeted approaches for each trait:

1. Tenacity

  • Break large goals into smaller, achievable milestones to maintain momentum.
  • Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities.
  • Create a personal resilience plan (stress management techniques, support networks).
  • Track progress regularly to stay motivated during challenges.
  • Practice scenario planning to prepare for obstacles without losing sight of objectives.

2. Equanimity

  • Use mindfulness or breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure.
  • Implement a decision-making checklist to reduce emotional bias.
  • Schedule reflection time to analyze stressful situations objectively.
  • Limit multitasking during high-pressure periods to maintain clarity.
  • Seek feedback on your composure from trusted colleagues after critical events.

3. Navigational Skill

  • Communicate changes promptly and clearly to reduce uncertainty.
  • Develop contingency plans for major projects and share them with your team.
  • Use visual tools (roadmaps, flowcharts) to illustrate direction during transitions.
  • Hold regular team check-ins to address concerns and maintain alignment.
  • Invest in leadership training focused on change management and adaptability.

4. Truth-Seeking

  • Schedule structured feedback sessions with peers and subordinates.
  • Use anonymous surveys to encourage honest input.
  • Share decision rationales openly to build trust and transparency.
  • Validate assumptions with data before making critical decisions.
  • Model openness by admitting when you need additional perspectives.

5. Aspiration & Accountability

  • Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
  • Publicly commit to key objectives to reinforce accountability.
  • Conduct post-project reviews to identify successes and areas for improvement.
  • Create a personal “ownership checklist” for decision-making.
  • Encourage a culture where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities.

6. Conviction

  • Strengthen your knowledge base to support confident decision-making.
  • Practice assertive communication techniques to express ideas clearly.
  • Align decisions with organizational vision and values for consistency.
  • Seek constructive debate to refine your convictions without losing confidence.
  • Document and revisit past successful decisions to reinforce self-belief.

7. Legacy

  • Develop systems and processes that can operate independently of your presence.
  • Mentor emerging leaders and delegate responsibilities strategically.
  • Create knowledge-sharing platforms (internal wikis, training programs).
  • Embed organizational values into policies and performance metrics.
  • Focus on initiatives that deliver long-term benefits rather than short-term wins.

8. Ethical Intelligence

  • Establish a personal code of ethics and review it regularly.
  • Use ethical decision-making frameworks (e.g., utilitarian vs. rights-based analysis).
  • Encourage open discussion of ethical dilemmas within your team.
  • Audit decisions for fairness and transparency before implementation.
  • Stay informed about industry standards and compliance requirements.

9. Stewardship

  • Implement resource tracking tools to monitor usage and prevent waste.
  • Balance short-term performance with long-term sustainability goals.
  • Prioritize stakeholder well-being in decision-making processes.
  • Regularly review budgets and resource allocations for efficiency.
  • Train team members on responsible resource management practices.

Final Thought

Leadership is not static it’s a journey of continuous growth. The Tentacles Framework gives you a roadmap to become a more effective, ethical, and visionary leader. Start today by assessing your strengths and committing to improvement where needed.


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