This week I attended the Leading at the Speed of Trust Workshop, based on the best-selling book The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey, son of the late Stephen R. Covey who wrote the Holy Grail of leadership books: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
According to tagline of The Speed of Trust—which I’ve also read—trust is “the one thing that changes everything.” After the training I received in the workshop, I am inclined to agree. The book focuses on a simple overarching premise: when trust is high, speed increases and costs go down; when trust is low, speed decreases and costs go up. While this concept applies mainly to business and organizational scenarios, it is certainly applicable to our personal lives as well.
High Trust = High Speed, Low Costs
Low Trust = Low Speed, High Costs
The book (and workshop) outlines the 4 Cores of Credibility upon which trust is established. Integrity and Intent are the two character-based traits, and Capabilities and Results are the two competence-based traits. When a leader is truly living and leading by these traits, others will respect, trust, and (more than likely) be inclined to follow them.
Additionally, the author lays out 13 Behaviors of High Trust which those looking to influence change can use—or misuse to their downfall—to build or destroy trust. Some of the behaviors include talking straight, demonstrating respect, creating transparency, clarifying expectations, and keeping commitments.
Overall, the workshop was excellent. I met a lot of great folks who are genuinely committed to making positive changes within their circle of influence, as well as their communities.
If you, or someone you know, is looking to build a world-class organization or simply raise an empowered family, I highly recommend The Speed of Trust. It gives you the knowledge and tools needed to create—and even repair—a high trust environment.
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