The Framework for Elevated Leadership
The Six Core Elements
Every leader who closes Leadership Voids does so by consistently applying six foundational behaviors. Together, they define what Elevated Leadership looks like in practice.
What Separates Good Leaders from Elevated Leaders?
Elevated Leadership is not about a title or a position — it is about behavior. The Six Core Elements represent the essential leadership behaviors that, when practiced consistently, prevent and fill Leadership Voids. They are the foundation of the E3C3 framework and the focus of every phase of the E3C3 Experience.
embrace - empower - engage - challenge - coach - celebrate
Embrace means embracing the situation and those you lead. When a leadership void emerges, Elevated Leaders recognize the moment and step forward to help prevent or fill the gap. By embracing both the situation and the people they are called to lead, they practice inclusive leadership and create a culture where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
Supporting Competencies
- Self-AwarenessRecognizing one's strengths, limitations, values, and impact on others.
- Emotional IntelligenceUnderstanding and managing emotions in self and others.
- AuthenticityCommunicating and behaving in ways that reflect genuine values and beliefs.
- Vulnerability & OpennessWillingly acknowledging mistakes, uncertainty, and areas for growth.
- InclusivenessCreating space where others feel welcomed, valued, and psychologically safe.
Empower is about enabling yourself and others to act with confidence and accountability. Leaders provide clarity, resources, authority, and trust so people can take meaningful action. Empowered leaders make empowered teams — driving ownership, initiative, and growth at every level.
Supporting Competencies
- Delegation & Trust-BuildingAssigning responsibility with confidence and clear expectations.
- Clarity of Purpose & DirectionProviding vision, priorities, and boundaries that guide action.
- AccountabilityHolding self and others responsible for decisions, actions, and outcomes.
- Resource EnablementEnsuring people have what they need to perform and succeed.
- Confidence-BuildingEncouraging initiative and reinforcing personal capability in others.
Engage reflects the discipline and commitment required to stay focused on what matters most. Leaders maintain presence, motivation, and connection — both to their goals and to their people. Engagement fuels momentum, turning intention into consistent, purposeful action.
Supporting Competencies
- Presence & Active ListeningBeing fully engaged in conversations and interactions.
- Motivation & Energy ManagementMaintaining personal drive and inspiring others to stay committed.
- CommunicationConveying clear, consistent messages that build alignment and understanding.
- Collaboration & Relationship-BuildingStrengthening connections that support teamwork.
- Discipline & Follow-ThroughStaying focused on goals and delivering consistently over time.
Challenge invites leaders to stretch beyond comfort zones, pursue growth, and face adversity with resilience. Leaders seek opportunities to innovate, re-think assumptions, and elevate performance. By challenging themselves and others, they cultivate adaptability, courage, and continuous improvement.
Supporting Competencies
- Resilience & AdaptabilityNavigating obstacles and adjusting to changing conditions.
- Critical & Strategic ThinkingQuestioning assumptions and exploring new possibilities.
- Courageous Decision-MakingMaking bold choices, even amid uncertainty.
- Innovation & Continuous ImprovementSeeking better ways to work and solve problems.
- Risk-Taking & Growth MindsetStepping beyond comfort zones in pursuit of development.
Coach centers on feedback, learning, and development. Leaders actively guide growth by listening deeply, asking thoughtful questions, offering insight, and encouraging reflection. Coaching builds capability and confidence, helping people unlock their potential and achieve higher performance.
Supporting Competencies
- Giving & Receiving FeedbackProviding constructive guidance and seeking input to grow.
- Questioning & Inquiry SkillsAsking powerful questions that promote reflection and learning.
- Development PlanningHelping others set goals and define actionable steps forward.
- Empathy & UnderstandingMeeting others where they are and supporting their growth journey.
- Observation & AssessmentRecognizing behaviors, patterns, and opportunities for improvement.
Celebrate reinforces progress, strengthens morale, and builds community. Leaders intentionally recognize achievements — big and small — to show appreciation, highlight growth, and inspire continued excellence. Celebration creates momentum and reminds teams that their work matters.
Supporting Competencies
- Recognition & AppreciationAcknowledging progress, effort, and achievement.
- Gratitude & Positive ReinforcementBuilding morale through sincere acknowledgment.
- StorytellingHighlighting wins in meaningful ways that inspire others.
- Mindfulness of MilestonesTracking and celebrating key moments that matter.
- Culture BuildingCreating rituals and norms that reinforce shared success and belonging.
Six Elements. One Standard.
The Six Core Elements are not a checklist — they are a standard of leadership behavior that any person, at any level, can practice every day. When more people in your organization consistently apply these elements, fewer Leadership Voids go unfilled.
Ready to Build These Behaviors Across Your Organization?
Learn how the E3C3 Experience develops the Six Core Elements in leaders at every level.