envision a future where Opportunity, Collaboration, Transparency, and Accountability thrive, growth is celebrated, and performance reviews hold no surprises.

join in the OCT@pus family!

but first, do you have what it takes?

one-on-one meetings require octopus-like skills: good memory, keen attention, empathy, patience, and care for both self and others.

each OCT@pus is wise, cooperative, and socially connected. handles complex topics and delicate issues with their many arms.

adaptable, resilient, and resourceful, OCT@pus solves problems flexibly.

in order to become an OCT@pus, you need to:

one: live by the OCTA pillars in your one-on-one interactions and beyond

two: respect and give space to all OCTA momentum themes

three: follow four OCTA agile principles

one: OCTA pillars

the OCTA framework is built upon four core values: Opportunity, Collaboration, Transparency, and Accountability.

picture this: an OCT@pus reaching out with its tentacles to grab and celebrate opportunities, coordinating its moves to prioritize tasks. it is sending out clear signals, and adapting like a pro to feedback for growth. OCTA creates a psychologically safe environment for employees to feel as secure as an octopus in familiar waters.

  • imagine a safe space where employees can share what's on their minds and celebrate wins.

    an OCT@pus dances with its tentacles when it catches food—our successes deserve the same joyful celebration.

    (1) mindspeak

    (2) ovation

  • imagine a world where partnership is key. when you reflect on what could have gone better, and when you balance resources and priorities.

    picture an OCT@pus guiding a school of fish through a maze of coral, ensuring everyone reaches their goal safely.

    (3) meaningful learnings

    (4) essential priorities

  • picture a place where we embrace vulnerability and honesty: acknowledging challenges, sharing concerns around team dynamics, and finding solutions.

    just as the clear waters allow us to see the OCT@pus's movements, transparency in our actions and decisions ensures clarity and builds trust.

    (5) navigating challenges

    (6) team dynamics

  • live ina world where giving and receiving feedback with kindness and respect fast-forwards professional development.

    the OCT@pus learns and adapts from each encounter, much like accountability involves learning and taking responsibility.

    (7) useful feedback

    (8)moving forward

two: OCTA momentum themes

just as an OCT@pus uses all eight tentacles to thrive, the eight essential themes cover all aspects of the employee experience, some of which are frequently neglected.

OCTA brings these themes into focus with momentum, ensuring each one is properly highlighted.

  • mindspeak is how every OCTA Meeting begins. It typically takes only 5 minutes. it surfaces the most burning topics and sets the scene for the rest of the one-on-one meeting.

    thoughts or questions that are currently occupying the forefront of the OCT@pus' thoughts could include recent developments in personal life, or emerging challenges that are immediately relevant.

  • OCT@pus remembers to start the meeting with a positive tone even if it happens in chaotic times. 

    reflection on successes, acknowledgment of learning, and progress can reinforce behaviors that lead to positive results

  • meaningful learnings are reflections on things that went well, or could have gone better.

    it’s OCT@pus' moment to acknowledge, learn, and progress.

  • just as an OCT@pus uses its tentacles to prioritize finding food, avoiding predators, and exploring, the essential priorities theme helps us focus on the most critical areas.

    OCTA framework ensures that we go beyond the default crisis management approach during one-on-ones and cover all momentum themes organically.

  • like an OCT@pus navigating murky waters, the navigating challenges theme helps us find clarity and direction, best aligning with individual, team, and organizational vision.

  • just as an OCT@pus keeps its tentacles in sync, OCTA fosters an environment of mutual accountability.

    in one-on-one meetings, we reinforce positive behaviors and seek improvements for improved transparency and teamwork.

  • OCTA advises that those asking for feedback should be prepared to offer it.

    in this theme, it's especially critical that your message is understood exactly as you intended. just as an OCT@pus uses its tentacles with precision, your feedback should be clear and deliberate.

  • just as an OCT@pus takes control of its movements, accountability in career development means owning your growth, learning, and advancement.

    in one-on-one meetings, talk about your career goals, create development plans, and find resources to succeed.

    moving forward theme needs to happen min once/month - OCTA principle #4

three: OCTA principles

OCTA is simple, and the principles are only four.

  • the employee owns their one-to-one. they bring the agenda.

    the employee selects and rotates the momentum themes.

  • mindspeak is how every OCTA meeting begins.

    like an OCT@pus quickly sensing its surroundings, it takes just 5 minutes to surface the most pressing topics and set the scene for the rest of the one-to-one.

  • any combination of themes is allowed but space needs to be given to all themes.

    OCTA moves you beyond talking about priorities or challenges only. it organically encourages you to rotate and speak about all aspects of employee experience: the momentum themes.

  • OCTA puts a stop to performance review discussions happening max twice/year.

    employee owns their development, and brings it to the OCTA meeting min once/month,

recap: three things every OCT@pus needs to know

one: OCTA pillars span Opportunity, Collaboration, Transparency, and Accountability

two: OCTA momentum themes contain eight essential topics for one-on-one interactions

three: OCTA principles are few and simple