Speed Of Trust Summary

The book Speed of Trust is all about asking two simple questions.

The first question is whether we trust ourselves and the second whether we trust others. The book explains that there are Four Cores that are critical in building credibility, namely Integrity, Intent, Capabilities and Results. Integrity and Intent belong to the character core and Capabilities and Results fall under the competency category. All four cores are necessary in building credibility.

Integrity – People usually mistake integrity only with honesty. The author asserts that integrity is made up of three virtues namely Congruency, Humility and Courage. Congruency is when a person does what he intends to do and there is no gap between his actions and values. Humility refers

Intent can be branched out into Motive, Agenda and behavior. Motive is what drives you to do what you are doing. The author says the best motive in building trust is genuinely caring for others. When people don’t care and have no desire to care, then they should be honest to others. But if people have a desire to care and are not caring then they should start caring. Usually actions are preceded by feelings. Agenda is a byproduct of motive. Honestly seeking good for others is the best agenda. Agenda is much more than wanting good for others, it is seeking what is good for others. Behavior is implementing your agenda. It is where thoughts are put into action. Behavior is of prime importance as people can see and judge it. For example telling someone that you would help them with their studies but actually helping them is very essential. The author provides a three step process to improve Intent. First is to examine and revise your motive. Second communicate your intent. Third is to choose abundance. Now we move to the Competency

Talking straight leaves a good impression. Most employees feel that their bosses do not communicate honestly which creates a trust tax which causes speed to go down and costs to go up. Straight talks should be accompanied by tact as being too blunt can hurt other people’s feelings and destroy relationships.

Demonstrate Respect – Showing respect translates that you care about the other individual. Actions should be sincere and must show that you care. Often people observe an action that is motivated by an impure value. Everyday little things we do can reflect respect.

Create Transparency – It is doing things in the open where everyone can see. Transparency is based on honesty, integrity, openness and authenticity. It is about sharing information. The author quotes Rollin King, founder of South West airlines “We adopted the philosophy that we wouldn’t hide anything, not any of our problems, from the