August 26, 2015 • Bookshelf, Uncategorized
“The Speed Of Trust”
As you know from my last book summary, I was fixated on Trust…or lack thereof, so I dug out my running list of books recommended by fellow entrepreneurs and noticed that The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything by Stephen M.R. Covey had been recommended by several people. This seemed like the perfect time to move this one up on the list. While on my family trip over spring break this year, I made a point of listening to portions of this book every morning on my run, and even found myself stopping often to take notes. It was the perfect time for me to concentrate on what was conveyed in the book and honestly, I think about the content most every day since listening to it.
The book begins by describing the four cores from which Credibility is derived, focusing on “self trust.” These four cores include:
- Integrity (Character)
- Intent (Character)
- Capabilities (Competency)
- Results (Competency)
My two most memorable concepts came from the second core, Intent.
- People judge themselves on intent and others by their actions.
- Operate with a mindset of abundance. This point really hit home with me and is even incorporated into our core values.
The second part of the book is dedicated to building what Mr. Covey calls “relationship trust,” and describes in detail the 13 behaviors of high trust people, which include:
- Straight Talk
- Demonstrate Respect
- Create Transparency
- Right Wrongs
- Show Loyalty
- Deliver Results
- Get Better
- Confront Reality
- Clarify Expectations
- Practice Accountability
- Listen First
- Keep Commitments
- Extend Trust
While a longer listen than The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Speed of Trust really digs into why Trust is important, how to build it, and how to not only keep it, but regain it once it is lost.
Not only is there lots to learn in this book, there are many action steps that can be taken post read. For me, I would like to be that person that exudes all of the behaviors, or at least strive to get there (tall order, but a great goal!). I would like to be that person that ALWAYS listens first (very difficult for me) and ALWAYS acts in a culture of abundance. As mentioned previously, the concept that people judge themselves on intent and others on actions really struck a chord with me – just thinking about helping people is never enough. After beating myself up for a while, I decided it is all about creating the plan to get better every day. I’ve created my plan…..now the fun stuff!
For more suggested titles, visit Bookshelf, where we have compiled a list of books that has helped us on our own entrepreneurial journeys.
Happy reading and remember to always have passion for possibilities!
About ScaleCo
ScaleCo Capital is a Cleveland-based lower middle market private equity firm that focuses on control-oriented leveraged buyout and growth equity investments in fast-growing companies based primarily in the Great Lakes region. ScaleCo partners with companies in the verticals of business services, tech-enabled services, value added distribution and assembly, and training, compliance, and education sectors, bringing operational expertise and strategic resources to scale their growth potential and build long-term value. To learn more, visit scaleco.com.
