The Invisible Thread That Binds Us Together: Understanding Values in Leadership and Teams

Let’s talk about values for a second. They’re everywhere, but sometimes, they feel like an afterthought.

You see them posted in boardrooms, plastered across company websites, maybe even framed on the office walls. But here's the thing: corporate values, team values, leadership values—they're more than just something nice to put on a wall.

They’re the invisible thread that holds everything together. You know,

I remember back when I first started leading teams. I had this drive to meet targets, hit goals, and impress my boss.

It wasn’t until a project hit a major roadblock that I realized I’d been missing something crucial. We’d been working hard, but somehow, things weren’t clicking. That’s when I realized the values we had weren’t being fully lived out. They were on paper, but they weren’t in our actions. And that’s when I learned the hard way that values aren’t just words—they’re the invisible thread that ties everything together.

I think back on that moment and realize how much I’ve learned. It wasn’t just about achieving results. It was about aligning with the values that mattered most—not just to me, but to my team.

When those values weren’t aligned, frustration and tension crept in.

But when they were, it felt like the fog lifted. The energy in the room shifted. People started to show up differently—not just for the job, but for one another.

The Power of Values in Leadership

Now, you might think, “Yeah, values are important, I get it.”

But let me tell you something—values aren’t just some theoretical concept. They directly impact how we lead and make decisions. They shape our approach to everything from conflict resolution to team dynamics.

I’ve seen it firsthand. I once worked with a team that had all the right people, the right skills, and the right strategy. But they weren’t aligned on something crucial: their values.

And let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty.

• They had the same goals, but without aligning on what they truly valued, every move felt forced.
• The work was getting done, but it wasn’t flowing. People were frustrated, and communication was breaking down.

It took a simple exercise to change everything: we sat down, stripped away the surface stuff, and talked about what really mattered to them.

And by “them,” I mean each individual.

• What drove them?
• What were their core beliefs?

Once we dug into that, something shifted. The energy in the room changed. People weren’t just going through the motions anymore. They were working together toward a shared vision that was grounded in shared values.

Aligning Values: The Key to Thriving Teams

This story might sound familiar to you. Maybe you’ve been there. You’re leading a team or organization, and everything looks good on paper. You’ve got clear goals, a plan, and a group of talented people. But when the work gets tough, when the deadlines loom, when the pressure’s on, something doesn’t click.

Why?

It’s because alignment isn’t just about processes or tasks.

It’s about values.

I think about Michael, one of my clients, who came to me as a successful CEO. He was great at what he did, but there was a disconnect in his leadership. He was a big-picture thinker—a visionary. He wasn’t afraid to take risks, but that style didn’t always resonate with his team. His approach to leadership was misaligned with what his team valued. Michael was a risk-taker by nature.

But as we explored this more deeply, I realized the team wasn’t comfortable with the level of risk he was taking. They were unsure of how to voice their concerns, and the tension started to mount.

When we dug into his values and how they aligned (or didn’t align) with his team’s, it became clear: Michael’s drive for bold decisions didn’t match the team’s need for stability and clear direction.

It wasn’t a quick fix, but once we aligned Michael’s values with the team’s, things began to change.

He started to communicate differently.

The team started to trust him more, and their work became more focused. Not because they suddenly agreed on every single decision, but because they could now see that their leader’s values were in sync with their own.

Here’s the truth: when values are aligned, leadership becomes effortless. When you have a clear sense of shared values, it’s like putting on a pair of glasses and seeing everything more clearly. You make decisions with confidence, you communicate with clarity, and the team is engaged in a way that’s meaningful.

How I Help Leaders Bring Values to Life

This is where I come in. As a leadership coach, my job is to help you and your team uncover and align your values.

The thing is, values are often so ingrained in us that we don’t even realize they’re driving our actions until something goes wrong. It’s like walking around with an invisible backpack. You’re carrying it with you every day, but you can’t see it until it starts weighing you down. Once you trip over it, that’s when you realize it’s been there the whole time.

That’s what happened with Michael. He was carrying around a set of values that weren’t visible to him until we stopped and took a deep dive into his leadership style. Once he could see how his values were guiding his decisions—often in ways that were misaligned with his team’s—the path forward became clear.

Jason, another client, was a high-level executive transitioning into entrepreneurship. Like Michael, Jason was a visionary. He was good at what he did, but when it came to his new entrepreneurial venture, things weren’t clicking. Jason was used to the corporate world where things were structured and risks were minimized. But now, as an entrepreneur, the environment was different. He wasn’t just managing a team—he was building one from the ground up.

When we started working together, we found that Jason’s values were clashing with his new role. He was bringing his corporate mindset with him, but the entrepreneurial world required something different. It wasn’t just about getting things done—it was about taking risks and making quick decisions. The process of unpacking his values was transformative.

Once Jason understood what really drove him, he became more confident in his decisions. He began to shift his leadership style to fit the needs of his business, and that’s when everything clicked.

Here’s the key: uncovering your values is more than just a reflection exercise. It’s about making those values visible so you can align your actions with them. It’s not just about knowing what matters to you—it’s about living it.

Spiral Dynamics and the Nine Levels of Value Systems

I’ve been trained in Spiral Dynamics, and it completely transformed how I look at values. I can now go beyond the surface and uncover the deeper, more subconscious values that are guiding people’s actions. The Nine Levels of Value Systems is one of the most powerful tools I’ve come across. It helps me see not only the values people are aware of but also the hidden ones that influence everything from leadership style to communication. These are the things people don’t always recognize about themselves—but once you uncover them, everything changes. When I work with clients, we dive into these frameworks to understand the layers of values that exist. Once we make these values visible, we can see where things aren’t aligning. And that’s where we start. We realign values so that leadership becomes effortless and the team operates with purpose. Ready to Take the Next Step? If you're ready to dig deeper into your values and align them with your leadership, team dynamics, and organizational goals, I’ve got two powerful options for you: The Values Discovery List – This free downloadable list helps you uncover the core values that drive your decisions and leadership style. It’s a simple tool to guide you in reflecting on the values that shape your work and decisions. A great first step toward aligning your actions with your values. The Values Discovery Package – If you're serious about uncovering the deeper layers of your values, this paid offering is for you. Using the Nine Levels of Value Systems framework, this package includes a measurable online assessment, two personalized coaching sessions, and exclusive training to help you align your values with your team or organization’s culture and goals. Get Your Free Values Discovery List Today Take the first step toward making your values visible. Click below to get started with my free Values Discovery List and start building a more aligned and intentional leadership approach. Ready for the Next Level? If you’re looking for a deeper dive, the Values Discovery Package will give you a comprehensive look into your values and how they shape your leadership style. Click here to learn more and sign up today.