In 2006, Stephen M.R. Covey, with coauthor Rebecca R. Merrill, wrote a book from which I have quoted at practically every single one of my live programs.
The Speed of Trust showed the world that trust — typically thought of as a “soft skill” — is actually a quantifiable skill with huge economic value and, as the authors say, “the one thing that changes everything.”
Now, Stephen (son of the legendary Dr. Stephen R. Covey of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People fame), along with his business partner, Greg Link (as well as Ms. Merrill), is back with a new book which shows how to create prosperity, energy and joy in a low-trust world.
As indicated by the title, this has nothing to do with naivete. It is not blind trust. Neither is it distrust. As the author shares, however, it is a third alternative; a different way of seeing and being, known as Smart Trust.
Enjoy this discussion with Stephen.
After listening to Stephen, how do you feel you do in terms of your sense of “Smart Trust?”
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Great interview Bob, really loved the his story near the end about extending trust to his son and the results, powerful! Looking forward to reading the book!
Loved the interview and the thoughts of Stephen about extending trust (not only how we creat it but how we give it!)
The example with his son, how he came back and restored trust, resonated it a lot with me, as a mother of 3 (teens).
Tu brillante como siempre!!
Loved this interview, Bob. I have always been a very trusting person; however, I (me/my company) was burned to the tune of 6+ figures by 3 exceptions. The banking crisis brought out the worst in a few people I trusted for 10 years… but in the end, I know that I was certainly blind and needed to look in the mirror to move on…. (especially in terms of leadership ability). We did create systems to compensate for these exceptions and I do continue to extend trust . I will definitely read “Smart Trust” (….and I hope my husband, who is further to the distrust end of the spectrum as a result of those difficult lessons, will read it as well!). Thanks again, Bob and Stephen.
Edie, thank you. I loved that story, as well. You could feel the pain that he and his wife had in sticking to that decision but knowing they had to do it!
Maria, Thank you. Yes, I can imagine the example with his son would resonate with you indeed. Y, gracias para su kind palabras. 🙂
Mary, thank you. I’m so sorry that happened to you. One of the great things about his book is that he shares some very specific guidelines for extending trust. I found them to be very helpful. I wish both you and your husband the best of success as you apply his methods.
Thanks so much, Bob. I just ordered both Speed of Trust and Smart Trust:) Look forward to reading Stephen’s specific guidelines.
Thanks for setting up the interview – read the first book and look forward to the second!
My experience tells me that what Dr. Covey speaks of is the truth. I find that extending trust shows that you are not only trustworthy but that you expect others to rise to the occasion. I believe that people by nature are good and want to do the right thing, although we sometimes get “lost” and self-centered – this is where trust begins to deteriorate. With my team we have found that where there is a high level of trust we become unstoppable and there is no limit to what we can achieve. In any relationship, as the stakes get higher this is where we need to focus on transparency, honesty, and the desire to set aside our own gain for the goal of the relationship at hand.
Thank you for continuing to produce valuable work – it makes a difference in the world!
Thank you for this interview Bob and Stephen.