Coherence: Alignment Made Visible
Coherence is also the bridge between individual leadership and collective impact. When teams and organisations embody the 7Cs, they create a culture of coherence in which mission, strategy and day-to- day operations are fully aligned. It is in this state of organisational coherence that moral ambition shifts from concept to reality, and organisations become genuine forces for good – as demonstrated by B Corp companies and mission-led organisations that place impact at the heart of their business model. The Journey Towards Coherence: An Endless Spiral The journey through the 7Cs is a journey towards coherence. It is a path that never truly ends, yet becomes more rewarding and deeper with each turn of the spiral. With every iteration, you:
• Refine your practice by learning from your pitfalls • Deepen your conviction by uncovering new blind spots • Strengthen your coherence by increasingly aligning your actions with your values • Gradually rise – not above others, but towards a more authentic and impactful version of yourself By cultivating inner conviction and expressing it through external coherence, you do more than lead more effectively. You build a legacy of authentic, purpose-driven leadership . You become a living embodiment of the change you wish to see in the world. You create spaces where others can flourish, innovate and contribute at their full potential. You demonstrate that economic success can coexist with service to a higher good. These are the “words” that heal the “wounds”, restoring the human dimension at the heart of moral prosperity – a form of prosperity that is not measured solely in financial terms, but in wellbeing, fulfilment, liberated creativity and collective contribution to a sustainable future.
THE NEUROSCIENTIFIC BASIS OF COHERENCE
Coherence is the visible outcome of conviction. It is the perfect alignment between who you are (your way of being) and what you do (your way of acting). When you practise the 7Cs consistently and authentically, something profound happens: your values, your words and your actions become indistinguishable. You no longer “do” leadership – you are a leader.
This coherence creates an authentic, magnetic presence that inspires trust. From a neuroscientific perspective, this authenticity is perceived and felt by others. Their brains detect the congruence between your intentions and your behaviours, which enhances the release of oxytocin (the trust hormone) and helps build lasting bonds. In contrast, incoherence triggers alarm signals in the amygdala, eroding trust and creating cognitive dissonance. Research in social neuroscience shows that our brains contain mirror neurons that automatically detect authenticity. When you are coherent, these neurons create resonance – others sense your authenticity even before they can articulate it rationally.
36 THE 7C LEADERSHIP COMPASS FOR MORAL AMBITION 2025 JONATHAN NORMAND. CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE
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