Stephen M. R. Covey

The Speed of Trust

1. IDEA 1

   Trust speeds everything up

   Covey argues that trust is not just a soft virtue but has real economic effects. When trust is high, things happen faster and cost less; when trust is low, everything slows down and becomes more expensive.

2. IDEA 2

   Trust begins with yourself

   Covey describes self trust, keeping commitments to yourself and acting with integrity. Others trust those who trust themselves. In Covey's view, if we often break our own promises, we lose confidence in ourselves, and so others see less reason to rely on us.

3. IDEA 3

   Credibility has four cores

   Covey identifies four cores of credibility: integrity, intent, capabilities and results. Character and competence both matter. In Covey's view, a person may be honest but unskilled, or skilled but untrustworthy, and trust needs all four qualities together.

All 8 ideas from The Speed of Trust →