Why Team Values Matter: Building Stronger, More Cohesive Teams

Introduction

The strength of any team lies not just in the skills and abilities of its members, but in the shared values that guide their actions and decisions. When individuals come together with a unified sense of purpose, something powerful happens. The team becomes more than just a collection of people—it becomes a cohesive unit, moving with intention, trust, and clarity.

But this doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with understanding and aligning the values of each team member, creating a foundation that is as strong as it is flexible. This foundation isn’t built overnight. It takes time, reflection, and a willingness to dive deep into what truly matters to each person.

The work of defining these values can feel like navigating a labyrinth—twisting, turning, sometimes doubling back—but with every step, there is progress. By the time the team reaches the center, there is a clarity that wasn’t there before. A clarity that emerges not from imposing values from the top down, but from a collective discovery of what lies at the heart, the mind, and the gut of each member.

In this journey, we see the wisdom of aligning personal values with team values. We see how these values act as a compass, pointing the way forward through challenges and opportunities alike. And when these values are integrated into the very fabric of the team, they create a sense of unity that is unshakeable, even in the face of the fiercest storms.

The Role of Team Values

Values are the invisible threads that weave individuals together into something greater. They are the quiet undercurrents that guide our decisions, shape our actions, and define who we are both alone and in a group. But before we can weave these threads into a cohesive team, we must first understand the unique patterns that each person brings to the table.

It starts with the individual. Each team member carries their own set of values that act as their internal board of directors, guiding decisions whether we realize it or not. These deeply held beliefs have been shaped by experiences, challenges, and personal victories, and are like the roots of a tree, grounding the individual in what is true and important. Without knowing what these roots are, how can we expect the tree to stand tall in a storm?

Brené Brown, a fellow qualitative researcher, says, "You don't truly know someone until you have a discussion with them about what they value." I'd like to expand on that: You truly understand someone when you discuss both their values and what motivates them—which can be explored through knowing our Enneagram style. Understanding both our values and our motivational drive can ground and center us as we make choices and decisions. They act as a beacon and also as our internal board of directors.

So, we begin by asking each person to dig deep, to explore what truly matters to them

This process isn’t always easy; it requires a willingness to look inward, to be honest about what drives us, what makes us feel alive, and what we stand for. But this introspection is necessary. It’s the first step in understanding how each person’s values can contribute to the collective strength of the team.

Once these individual values are unearthed, the next step is to bring them together, to see where they intersect and where they diverge. This is where the magic happens. As we lay out these values, we begin to see a pattern—a shared vision that can guide the entire team. It’s not about forcing everyone into the same mold, but about finding the common ground where everyone’s roots can intertwine, supporting each other in the face of whatever comes.

The beauty of this approach is that it doesn’t just create a list of values that sound good on paper. It creates a living, breathing foundation for the team. A foundation that is built on the real, authentic beliefs of its members. When a team is aligned in this way, decisions become clearer, trust deepens, and the path forward is illuminated not by external pressures, but by the inner compass that each member carries.

In this way, the values of the team are not just words on a wall—they are a shared commitment, a promise to each other to uphold what is most important, no matter what challenges may arise. And it is this commitment that transforms a group of individuals into a team that can weather any storm, move with purpose, and achieve greatness together.

Aligning Team Values with the Head Center

In the rush of daily tasks and endless decisions, it’s easy to get swept up in the current, to lose sight of the bigger picture. But there’s a way to anchor ourselves, to bring clarity to the chaos, and it begins with aligning our values with the Head Center.

The Head Center is our guide through the labyrinth of thought and logic. It’s where we process information, solve problems, and make decisions that shape our journey. But for this guide to be effective, it needs a compass—one that points us toward what truly matters. That compass is a value, carefully chosen to represent the Head Center’s role in our team’s life.

This value might be wisdom, clarity, or integrity. Whatever it is, it should resonate deeply, cutting through the noise and offering a steady hand when the path ahead is unclear. Imagine a team that holds clarity as a core value in the Head Center. In every meeting, every decision, clarity is the touchstone. It reminds us to strip away the unnecessary, to focus on what’s real and true. It allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing that we are guided not by fleeting emotions or external pressures, but by a deep commitment to understanding and wisdom.

But how do we bring this value to life? It starts with intentional practices. Perhaps it’s a moment of reflection at the beginning of each meeting, a chance to center ourselves and remember why we’re here. Or maybe it’s a commitment to asking the tough questions, the ones that cut through the fog and bring us back to clarity. It could even be as simple as pausing to breathe, to let the mind settle before diving into the work.

When a team aligns its Head Center with a clear, guiding value, something shifts. Decisions that once felt heavy or confusing become lighter, more straightforward. The mind, once a crowded place of conflicting thoughts, finds its focus. And with that focus comes a sense of peace, a quiet confidence that no matter what challenges arise, we have the tools to navigate them.

This isn’t about shutting out the heart or the gut; it’s about giving the mind the structure it needs to serve the team well. It’s about ensuring that when the time comes to think, to analyze, to decide, we do so with a value that grounds us, that aligns our thoughts with the deeper purpose of the team.

In this alignment, we find more than just answers. We find wisdom. We find integrity. We find the clarity that allows us to move forward, together, with our minds fully engaged and our hearts and guts ready to follow.

Aligning Team Values with the Heart Center

There is a power that exists in the space between us—a quiet, steady pulse that connects each of us to one another. This is the realm of the Heart Center, where emotions flow and relationships are formed. It’s here that we find the essence of what it means to be a team, not just in name, but in spirit.

The Heart Center is where we truly see each other, where we step beyond the surface and connect at a deeper level. But for this connection to thrive, it needs to be anchored in a value that resonates with the heart’s true purpose and how we relate to one another. This value might be compassion, empathy, or respect—something that speaks to the essence of human connection and the bond that ties us together.

When a team chooses a value for the Heart Center, they are making a commitment to each other. It’s a promise to approach every interaction with kindness, to listen with an open heart, and to respect the unique perspectives that each person brings to the table in a way that is consistent with the value. Imagine a team that holds empathy as its guiding star. In every conversation, empathy is the thread that weaves through, guiding words and actions. It reminds us to pause, to listen, to truly hear what the other person is saying, not just with their words, but with their whole being.

This value doesn’t just live in the abstract; it’s brought to life in the small, everyday moments. It’s in the way we greet each other in the morning, in the patience we show when misunderstandings arise, and in the support we offer when someone is struggling. It’s in the willingness to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, to see the world through their eyes, even if just for a moment.

By aligning with a heart-centered value, a team creates a culture of trust and mutual respect consistent with the chosen value. It becomes a place where people feel safe to be themselves, where they can bring their whole selves to the table without fear of judgment or rejection. In this environment, connections deepen, and the energy between team members becomes a source of strength, propelling the team forward with a sense of unity and purpose.

But this kind of alignment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, a conscious effort to prioritize the heart in every interaction. It might mean setting aside time for open, honest conversations, where emotions are not only allowed but welcomed. It could involve practices that encourage vulnerability, like sharing personal stories or reflecting on challenges as a team. These moments of connection, when nurtured, create a ripple effect, strengthening the bond that holds the team together.

In the Heart Center, we find more than just a connection; we find the pulse of the team itself. It’s the rhythm that keeps us in sync, the beat that reminds us of our shared humanity. And when we align our actions with a heart-centered value, we ensure that this pulse remains strong, steady, and true, guiding us through every challenge, every triumph, and every moment in between.

Aligning Team Values with the Gut Center

The Gut Center is where our deepest instincts live. It’s the place that tells us when something feels right or warns us when it doesn’t. It’s our inner compass, guiding us with a certainty that sometimes defies logic but is no less real. In the hustle and bustle of daily work, it’s easy to overlook the messages and signals from our body, but when we stop and listen, we find a strength there—a strength that grounds us and pushes us to act with courage and conviction.

To truly harness this strength, a team must align with a value that resonates with the Gut Center. This value might be courage, resilience, or decisiveness—something that speaks to the power of instinct and action. When a team chooses a value for the Gut Center, they’re making a commitment to trust their instincts, and act in a way that is consistent with their chosen value.

Picture a team that holds courage as its guiding value. In every situation, courage is present. It’s there when someone speaks up in a tough meeting, sharing an idea that might not be popular but feels true. It’s there when decisions must be made quickly, without all the facts, relying instead on a deep inner knowing. And it’s there when challenges arise—when the easy choice is to back down, but the courageous choice is to stand strong, trusting that the team’s instincts will lead them through.

This value of courage isn’t just about big, dramatic moments; it lives in the everyday. It’s in the way team members trust themselves and each other. It’s in the willingness to take risks, to try new things, even when the outcome is uncertain. It’s in the quiet determination that says, “We will find a way forward,” even when the path is unclear.

Aligning with the Gut Center means grounding the team in something unshakable. It’s about moving from a place of strength, knowing that even when the winds of change blow fiercely, the team’s foundation is solid. This kind of alignment empowers the team to act decisively, to trust the wisdom that comes not just from the head or the heart, but from deep within.

But how does a team build this alignment? It starts with learning to listen—to the body, to the gut, to that inner voice that whispers truths we sometimes ignore. Practices like mindfulness, body awareness, or simply taking a moment to pause and check in with how something feels can help team members reconnect with their instincts. Over time, these practices build a trust in the gut’s wisdom, allowing the team to act with a confidence that comes from knowing they are grounded in something real.

When a team aligns its values with the Gut Center, it becomes resilient in the face of challenge, bold in the face of risk, and steady in the face of uncertainty. The storms will come, as they always do, but the team will not be shaken. With courage as their compass and instinct as their guide, they will move forward—strong, decisive, and ready for whatever comes next.

Integrating the Three Centers for a Cohesive Team

When we talk about building a cohesive team, we aren’t just talking about a group of people working well together. We’re talking about something deeper, something that runs beneath the surface and ties every action, decision, and interaction to a shared sense of purpose. To achieve this, we need to integrate the wisdom of all three centers—the Head, the Heart, and the Gut.

Each center brings its own unique strengths. The Head offers clarity, logic, and focus. The Heart connects us through our relationships and how we interact with each other. The Gut drives us forward with how we chose to take action. But the real magic happens when these centers are not acting alone, but in harmony, each one supporting and balancing the others.

Imagine a team that’s fully aligned with all three centers. They have a value for the Head, something like wisdom or integrity, that ensures their decisions are grounded in clear, rational thinking. They have a value for the Heart, perhaps empathy or respect, that reminds them to always see and hear each other, to build relationships that are strong and real. And they have a value for the Gut, like courage or decisiveness, that keeps them bold, grounded, and ready to act when needed.

When these values are in sync, the team moves as one. Decisions aren’t just logical; they’re infused with empathy and backed by instinct. Relationships aren’t just strong; they’re built on a foundation of shared purpose and mutual respect. And actions aren’t just brave; they’re thoughtful, compassionate, and true to the team’s deeper values.

But this kind of integration doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process, a practice of constantly checking in with each center, making sure each voice is heard. There may be times when one center tries to dominate—the Head takes over with endless analysis, the Heart pulls us too deeply into emotion, or the Gut rushes ahead without considering the consequences. In those moments, the team must pause, step back, and realign, bringing all three centers back into balance.

One way to do this is through reflection. After a major decision or a challenging moment, the team can take time to ask: Did we honor the wisdom of the Head? Did we stay connected through the Heart? Did we trust our instincts from the Gut? This kind of reflection builds awareness, helping the team recognize when they’re in alignment and when they need to recalibrate.

When a team learns to integrate the three centers, they become something powerful. They become a team that can weather any storm, move through any challenge, and emerge stronger on the other side. They don’t just work together; they are truly connected—mind, heart, and gut—all pulling in the same direction.

This is the kind of team that doesn’t just achieve goals; they change the game. They don’t just solve problems; they create something new, something greater than the sum of their parts. With each center working in harmony, the team becomes unstoppable, moving forward with purpose, strength, and a deep sense of unity.

Practical Steps for Defining and Implementing Team Values

Bringing team values to life is not a one-time event. It’s a journey—a continuous process of discovery, alignment, and commitment. And like any meaningful journey, it starts with intention. At Culture Conscious, we created the Team Essentials Program to help teams take that journey in a way that is thoughtful, authentic, and deeply connected to who they are at their core.

The process begins with the individual. Each team member has a unique set of values, a personal compass that guides them through life. We start by helping each person uncover these values, digging deep into what truly matters to them. Through introspective pre-work and one-on-one conversations, we explore not just what they think they should value, but what they actually value—the truths they hold close, the principles that guide their decisions every day.

Once we’ve uncovered these individual values, we shift our focus to the team as a whole. What emerges from these conversations is a rich landscape of values—some overlapping, some unique. The next step is to align these individual values into a cohesive set of team values. It’s not about forcing everyone into the same box. It’s about finding the common threads, the shared beliefs that can serve as the foundation for the team’s culture and decision-making.

Through two interactive workshops, we guide the team through this alignment process. The first workshop is all about defining the team’s core values, ensuring that each center—the Head, the Heart, and the Gut—has a value that speaks to its strengths. It’s a day of reflection and conversation, where the team works together to define who they are and how they want to show up in the world.

The second workshop takes this foundation and builds on it. Using the Enneagram, we explore the team’s archetype—its strengths, its challenges, and the unique dynamics that shape how the team operates. This workshop helps the team see themselves more clearly, not just as a collection of individuals, but as a living, breathing organism with its own character and rhythm grounded in the values identified on day one. It’s a powerful moment of realization, as the team begins to understand how their values and archetype can guide them to even greater effectiveness.

But the work doesn’t stop there. After the workshops, we provide tools and resources to help the team continue integrating these insights into their daily work. We pair team members together as “buddies” who meet regularly to discuss questions designed to encourage them to support each other in bringing the team’s values to life. We offer follow-up sessions to check in, assess progress, and address any challenges that arise. And we leave the team with a Values Workbook, a reference that grounds them in their individual and team values.

Leaders play a crucial role in this journey. It’s their responsibility to ensure that the team’s values aren’t just words on paper, but living principles that shape how the team operates every day. This means leading by example, aligning their own actions with the team’s values, and checking in regularly with team members to ensure those values remain front and center. It’s about creating space for reflection, making time for the tough conversations, and holding the team accountable to the values they’ve chosen.

In the end, defining and implementing team values is an ongoing practice. It’s a journey of continual alignment, where the team comes back to its core over and over again, reinforcing the values that guide them. But with each step, the team becomes stronger, more aligned, and more resilient. They don’t just talk about their values—they live them, every day, in every decision, and in every interaction. And that’s what makes them a truly cohesive, high-functioning team.

Conclusion

At the heart of every great team is a shared set of values, a quiet pulse that beats beneath the surface, guiding the team through the highs and lows, the triumphs and the challenges. These values are more than just words—they are the compass that points the way forward when the path seems uncertain, the anchor that keeps the team steady when the winds of change blow hard.

But discovering these values is not the end of the journey. It’s just the beginning. The real work lies in bringing them to life, in weaving them into the fabric of the team’s daily actions, decisions, and interactions. It’s in the way a team member speaks up with courage when it would be easier to stay quiet, or the way they listen with empathy when someone else needs to be heard. It’s in the choices they make—big and small—that reflect the clarity, compassion, and instinct that guide them.

When a team is aligned in this way, they become more than just a group of people working together. They become something powerful, something unshakable. They don’t just survive the storms—they navigate them with purpose and grace, emerging stronger on the other side.

The journey to define and live by team values is not always easy, but it’s worth every step. It requires honesty, vulnerability, and a commitment to each other. But in the end, it creates something beautiful—a team that moves as one, connected by a shared vision, a shared purpose, and a deep understanding of who they are at their core.

This is the kind of team that doesn’t just get things done—they leave a lasting impact, on each other and on the world around them. And that’s what it means to build a team that truly matters.