Book: Speed of Trust

"The Speed of Trust" by Stephen M.R. Covey and Rebecca Merrill

I. Executive Summary:

This document summarizes the core concepts of Stephen M.R. Covey's "The Speed of Trust," focusing on how trust impacts both speed and cost in all aspects of life – personal, relational, organizational, market, and societal. The book argues that trust is not merely a "soft skill" but a hard, quantifiable asset that significantly affects outcomes. The summary highlights the Five Waves of Trust, the Four Cores of Credibility, the 13 Behaviors of High-Trust Leaders, and strategies for restoring lost trust. Ultimately, the document suggests that building and leveraging trust is essential for unparalleled success and prosperity in every dimension of life.

II. Key Themes and Ideas:

• The Economics of Trust: Trust is directly correlated with speed and inversely correlated with cost. Low trust creates a "tax" that slows things down and increases expenses (e.g., increased security measures post-9/11, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance). High trust creates a "dividend" that accelerates processes and reduces costs (e.g., Warren Buffet's acquisition of McLane Distribution). "When trust goes down, speed goes down and cost goes up. When trust goes up, speed goes up and cost goes down."
• The Trust Formula: Covey introduces an enhanced formula for organizational success: (Strategy x Execution) x Trust = Results. He argues that trust is a "hidden variable" that can either torpedo or multiply the effectiveness of strategy and execution. "A company can have an excellent strategy and a strong ability to execute; but the net result can be torpedoed by a low-trust tax or multiplied by a high-trust dividend."
• The Five Waves of Trust: This model illustrates how trust operates interdependently, flowing from the inside out:
• Self-Trust (Credibility): Trust begins with oneself and one's own trustworthiness.
• Relationship Trust (Consistent Behavior): Based on consistently demonstrating trustworthy behaviors with others.
• Organizational Trust (Alignment): Creating systems and structures that foster trust within an organization.
• Market Trust (Reputation): Building a brand and reputation that inspires confidence in the marketplace.
• Societal Trust (Contribution): Contributing to society and creating value beyond mere profit.
• The Four Cores of Credibility (Self-Trust): These are the fundamental elements for building self-trust, broken down into character and competence:
• Integrity: Being honest, congruent, humble, and courageous. "To most people, integrity means honesty — telling the truth and leaving the right impression. But there are at least three additional qualities: congruence, humility and courage."
• Intent: Having genuine concern for people, purposes, and society, seeking mutual benefit. "The intent that inspires the greatest trust is seeking mutual benefit, realizing that life is interdependent and seeking solutions that build trust and benefit for all."
• Capabilities: Possessing the talents, attitudes, skills, knowledge, and style (TASKS) needed to deliver on commitments.
• Results: Demonstrating a track record of achieving desired outcomes. "Results matter! They matter to your credibility...they give you clout."
• The 13 Behaviors of High-Trust Leaders (Relationship Trust): These behaviors, spanning character and competence, are essential for building and maintaining trust in relationships:

1. Talk Straight
2. Demonstrate Respect
3. Create Transparency
4. Right Wrongs
5. Show Loyalty
6. Deliver Results
7. Get Better
8. Confront Reality
9. Clarify Expectations
10. Practice Accountability
11. Listen First
12. Keep Commitments
13. Extend Trust

• The summary emphasizes that each behavior has an "opposite" and a "counterfeit" that destroys trust.
• Stakeholder Trust and Alignment: Creating alignment between organizational principles, systems, structures, and symbols to cultivate a high-trust environment.
• Smart Trust: Covey advocates for "Smart Trust," which involves balancing a propensity to trust with strong analysis and judgment. The "Smart Trust Matrix" identifies four zones: Blind Trust, Smart Trust, No Trust, and Distrust. The Smart Trust zone, combining high propensity with high analysis, offers the lowest risk and highest return.
• Restoring Lost Trust: While difficult, restoring lost trust is possible at all levels (societal, market, organizational, relational, and self). This involves addressing the root causes of the breach and consistently demonstrating the Four Cores and 13 Behaviors.

III. Actionable Insights:

• Assess Your Trust Quotient: Reflect on who trusts you and why. Identify areas where you can improve your credibility (Four Cores) and behaviors (13 Behaviors).
• Identify Low-Trust Taxes: Look for instances where low trust is slowing down processes and increasing costs in your personal and professional life.
• Apply the Five Waves: Work from the inside out, starting with self-trust and extending trust strategically to build stronger relationships, organizations, markets, and societies.
• Practice Smart Trust: Balance your propensity to trust with careful analysis and judgment to mitigate risks and maximize opportunities.
• Be a Trust Restorer: If you have broken trust, take steps to make amends. If someone has broken trust with you, consider extending forgiveness and Smart Trust.

IV. Quotes:

• "There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy and civilization throughout the world — one thing which, if removed, will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love." (Introduction emphasizing the importance of Trust.)
• "Nothing is as fast as the speed of trust."
• "Trust always affects two outcomes: speed and cost."
• "With the increasing focus on ethics in our society, the character side of trust is fast becoming the price of entry in the new, global economy. However, the differentiating and often ignored side of trust — competence — is equally essential."

V. Conclusion:

"The Speed of Trust" presents a compelling case for trust as a critical driver of success in all aspects of life. By understanding and applying the principles outlined in the book, individuals and organizations can build stronger relationships, achieve greater efficiency, and create lasting value.

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