The ASCENT Framework™

A model for elevating leadership and team performance.

Each letter represents a pillar of leadership growth, directly connected to our five core concepts:

A – Accountability

• Leaders set the tone by owning results, modeling responsibility, and holding themselves and others to commitments.
  
  

• Without accountability, trust erodes and progress stalls.
  
  

• Key behaviors: clear expectations, follow-through, ownership over mistakes and wins.
  
  

S – Standards

• High-performing teams rise to the standards set and modeled by their leaders.
  
  

• Standards define “how we do things here” and serve as the baseline for excellence.
  
  

• Key behaviors: clear values, consistent expectations, a culture of excellence.
  
  

C – Communication

• Effective communication is the bridge that connects vision to action.
  
  

• Miscommunication leads to missed opportunities and conflict.
  
  

• Key behaviors: clarity, active listening, common language, feedback loops.
  
  

E – Energy & Enthusiasm

• Energy is contagious; enthusiasm fuels motivation and resilience.
  
  

• Great leaders know how to manage their own energy and inspire others.
  
  

• Key behaviors: presence, positivity, consistency, motivation through challenges.
  
  

N – Nurturing Relationships

• Relationships are the foundation of influence and trust.
  
  

• Strong leaders build meaningful connections that foster collaboration and belonging.
  
  

• Key behaviors: empathy, respect, recognition, authentic connection.
  
  

T – Togetherness (or Teamwork)

• No leader climbs alone. Success is built on collective effort.
  
  

• Togetherness ensures that accountability, communication, and standards translate into results.
  
  

• Key behaviors: collaboration, shared purpose, celebrating wins together.