Mike Chaput: Core Values Are Not Wall Art

Mike Chaput returns to Sales & Cigars to continue the conversation around leadership, culture, and why core values must go far beyond posters on the wall.

In this episode, Walter Crosby and Mike dig into the real role values play inside a growing company—and what happens when leaders unintentionally create behaviors they never meant to encourage.

Mike shares how nSight’s early values around humor and fun sounded positive on paper, but eventually created fear, embarrassment, and resistance to admitting mistakes. The discussion explores why values should align with strategy, how culture impacts operational performance, and why leaders must actively model the behaviors they expect from their teams.

This conversation is practical, honest, and highly relevant for leaders trying to build healthy accountability without losing connection and trust.

Episode Highlights

• Why many companies misunderstand core values
• Mike’s early “life raft exercise” for defining values
• How humor unintentionally created unhealthy cultural behaviors
• The rubber chicken story and the impact of public embarrassment
• Lessons from lean thinking and Edwards Deming
• Why fear destroys operational improvement
• How respect became foundational to nSight’s strategy
• Why core values should evolve as the business evolves
• The importance of making values memorable and teachable
• nSight’s RSVP framework:
• Respect and Connect
• Servant’s Heart
• Value Value
• Progress Over Comfort
• Why leaders must adapt to the values first
• The difference between a workplace family and a high-performing team
• Why accountability and connection must coexist

Key Takeaways

Core values should support strategy

Values are not just words that sound good. They should reinforce the behaviors required for the business to succeed.

Culture can create unintended consequences

Even positive-sounding values can create fear, avoidance, or unhealthy team dynamics if they are not examined honestly.

Fear prevents improvement

Organizations cannot solve problems when employees feel unsafe admitting mistakes or identifying issues.

Respect must come before humor

Fun cultures work best when people first feel respected, safe, and valued.

Leaders must model the values

Core values are not just expectations for employees. Leaders must demonstrate them consistently themselves.

Accountability and connection belong together

Strong cultures balance caring deeply about people while still maintaining standards and honest feedback.

Who Should Listen

• CEOs and founders refining company culture
• Leaders implementing EOS or operational frameworks
• Managers trying to improve accountability and trust
• Entrepreneurs building teams through growth and change
• Sales leaders focused on culture-driven performance

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