The Speed of Trust

In his book “The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything,” Stephen M.R. Covey emphasizes the importance of trust in business success. According to Covey, trust is essential for both a winning competitive strategy and superb organizational execution.

“Above all, success in business requires two things: a winning competitive strategy, and superb organizational execution. Distrust is the enemy of both. I submit that while high trust won’t necessarily rescue a poor strategy, low trust will almost always derail a good one. ”

Covey argues that distrust can be a major obstacle to success in business. He asserts that while high trust may not be able to rescue a poor strategy, low trust will almost always derail a good one. This is because distrust can erode collaboration and communication within an organization, leading to poor execution and a lack of buy-in from team members.

Covey’s message is particularly relevant in today’s business climate, where trust is often in short supply. In an age of fake news and misinformation, it can be difficult to know who or what to trust. This is especially true in business, where there is often a high degree of competition and a desire to get ahead at any cost.

However, Covey argues that trust is not just a nice-to-have quality, but rather a necessary ingredient for success. By building trust within an organization and with customers, businesses can create a culture of collaboration and accountability that leads to better results.

In short, “The SPEED of Trust” is a must-read for anyone looking to succeed in business. It offers a powerful reminder that trust is the foundation upon which all else is built, and that by prioritizing trust, businesses can achieve greater success and create a brighter future for all.

“The first job of a leader—at work or at home—is to inspire trust. It’s to bring out the best in people by entrusting them with meaningful stewardships, and to create an environment in which high-trust interaction inspires creativity and possibility.”

“Trust is equal parts character and competence… You can look at any leadership failure, and it’s always a failure of one or the other.”