At Octopus, we’ve always believed in creating an environment where people can do the best work of their lives. As we’ve grown—across geographies, cultures, and ways of working—we recognized the need for a shared foundation for leadership. One that reflects who we are today and supports where we’re headed next. That’s what led us to define our CODE for Leaders.
Why we created the CODE
Leadership at Octopus isn’t just a title. It’s about influence, trust and the ability to inspire others. The CODE is a unifying framework that anchors our leaders on what matters most, supporting our growth ambitions with a human approach to leadership grounded in our values.
As Octopus grows rapidly with huge ambitions for our team, customers, and business, we face big challenges and complexity. We need to move fast and lead thoughtfully. The CODE allows us to align our leadership approach across the company, enabling better collaboration, especially across functions and borders.
How we built it
We didn’t start with a blank page. We listened to survey feedback, interviews, CONNECT conversations, and inputs from the ELT and teams across Octopus. What emerged were themes like humility, trust, growth, and clarity—core to who we are and how we want to lead. These insights shaped a focused set of simple, memorable and practical principles.
The five principles of the leadership CODE
- Be humble and stay curious. Let go of ego. Seek to learn, always.
- Level up the team. Invest in others. Celebrate wins. Share the credit.
- Communicate directly, and with anyone. Be clear, candid, and kind—regardless of title.
- Aim for the greater good. Act in service of the team, the company, and our mission.
- Make it happen. Take ownership. Be resourceful. Deliver.
These principles are more than just words—they guide how we hire, grow, and support leaders at Octopus. Each one is supported by clear behaviors and real examples of great leadership.
What’s next: Living the CODE
Bringing the CODE to life means integrating it into our day-to-day leadership practices. That includes:
- Hiring new leaders who align with the CODE.
- Using the CODE in CONNECTS to guide feedback and development.
- Holding ourselves accountable through reflection and action.
- Growing a culture where leadership is shared, and trust is built across teams.
Why It Matters
Great leadership doesn’t happen by accident. By setting clear expectations and creating a culture of accountability, we help every leader at Octopus grow with confidence and clarity. The CODE isn’t a checklist. It’s a living framework that will evolve as we do, but it captures what matters most right now, and it’s designed to help us thrive together.
Page updated on Friday, May 16, 2025