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The Speed of Trust

summary ofThe Speed of TrustBook by Stephen R. Covey

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You’ll learn

  • What trust is all about
  • How to become trustworthy
  • The importance of loyalty to society
  • How to build a big brand by being trustworthy
  • The dangers of being deceitful

first KEY POINT

Trust: The swift maker or breaker of all

Trust affects everything in our lives 365 days a year. But most people don't give it much thought. Ask ten people to list things they think are critical to success, and only a few will mention trust.Stephen R. Covey experienced trust at a young age. One of his earliest memories was when his father trusted him to care for the yard. Stephen's task was simple: keep everything green and clean. His father occasionally stepped in to help, but Stephen was ultimately responsible. Being young, he didn't always care for it as he should, but his father trusted him, and that experience taught him a lot about trust, accountability, and responsibility.Trust is the vital foundation in any relationship. It's what makes the difference between a solid relationship and a weak one.A succession of incidents of betrayal can leave a lasting effect on us, making it even more difficult to trust. We become increasingly suspicious and start using the behavior of the few to judge the many.Even the deepest relationships and connections will fall apart if trust gets broken. What’s worse? The impact doesn't just stay in our present; it creeps into our professional and personal future. So, we need to get better at creating and embodying trust. Sounds difficult? Relax! This summary will simplify everything.

Trust is an actionable, tangible asset that anyone can create.

According to Covey, trust happens in five successive waves:• Wave 1: Self Trust
• Wave 2: Relationship Trust
• Wave 3: Organizational Trust
• Wave 4: Market Trust
• Wave 5: Societal TrustTrust is highly interdependent and flows from the inside out like a ripple of waves. If you build self trust, you will lay the foundation for societal trust. Continue on to learn more about the full impact of trust and how you can establish each of the five waves.

second KEY POINT

Goal achievement reflects self-confidence levels

Self Trust is the earliest wave of trust. It builds on believability or credibility.Pause a moment and ask yourself if people can trust you. On a scale of 1-10, how credible do you think you are?No matter your answer, there's always room for improvement. To build credibility, it's essential to understand four core elements related to character and competence:Intent
• Capabilities
• Integrity
• Results
Personal credibility helps you take responsibility for your actions and keep your commitments and promises. Unfortunately, only a few people stay true to their decisions. A classic example is New Year's resolutions. One 2005 Harris poll found that barely 8% of Americans stick to their New Year resolutions even though over 50% make them. You may say the data is old, but human nature remains the same.Repeated failure to create and keep promises to yourself can degrade your self-confidence. You lose trust in your ability to stay committed. Then, it's not surprising that you fail to muster the courage and inspiration to trust others.

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first KEY POINT

We need to create and increase trust in our relationships with others

second KEY POINT

Having an organizational plan helps in building sustainable trust

third KEY POINT

Brand relationships and business success go hand in hand

fourth KEY POINT

Giving back to others and caring for the environment allows you to make your mark in the world

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Stephen R. Covey was an American author, educator, and keynote speaker. He was one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential people.

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything about?

The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything, authored by Stephen M.R. Covey, emphasizes the essential role of trust in personal and professional relationships. Covey argues that trust accelerates teamwork, enhances productivity, and ultimately leads to better results.

What are the key takeaways from The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything?

Key takeaways from The Speed of Trust include the idea that trust is a critical economic driver, the importance of being transparent and of high character, and how trust affects every level of interaction. Covey also provides actionable strategies to cultivate trust in various settings.

Is The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything worth reading?

Yes, The Speed of Trust is worth reading for anyone looking to improve their relationships and enhance their effectiveness in both business and personal life. Covey’s insights into the mechanics of trust make it a valuable guide for leaders and teams alike.

How many pages is The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything and when was it published?

The Speed of Trust spans around 368 pages and was first published in 2006. This makes it a substantial yet accessible read that delivers profound insights on trust.

Who is the author of The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything?

The author of The Speed of Trust is Stephen M.R. Covey, who is widely recognized for his expertise in leadership and trust-building. His work stems from both personal experience and extensive research in the field.