The Speed of Trust

Over ten years ago, I was invited to teach ethics at the Berlin School of Creative Leadership with my friends David Slocum, sudhir venkatesh , and Doug Guthrie. A key topic was trust and integrity. Most of us strive to live our lives with integrity, helping and supporting those around us, speaking well of others, and honoring our relationships by building and maintaining trust. I have always believed that if we can live our lives with trust as a lubricant, it is possible to accomplish more with less friction and more joy – as Stephen Covey called it "the speed of trust". Marshall taught me to prefer agreements over contracts because contracts imply an intent to resort to legal solutions, whereas agreements are merely ways to clarify terms and ensure alignment. To me, trust, honesty, and integrity are critical leadership traits. While some leaders may "lead" by dictating to others and leveraging their power and authority, genuine leadership is about inspiring people with your vision and empowering them to invest their time and talent in bringing that vision to life together.

In professional settings, it can be challenging when we discover that individuals have been speaking ill of a colleague or questioning business decisions with others rather than addressing the issue directly with the relevant business leader. Such situations can strain relationships and harm trust within an organization. Even more concerning are instances where individuals deliberately bypass established agreements, violating the terms of their understanding with the company. Leaders face the challenge of addressing these issues, ranging from potentially harmful gossip to clear breaches of ethical boundaries.

It's crucial for those in leadership positions to confront these situations while also engaging in self-reflection to understand how the organization's culture might be inadvertently fostering such behaviors. This introspection can lead to valuable insights on how to build an enterprise that truly embodies its stated values and encourages open, honest communication. Trust is the foundation upon which all successful relationships are built, both personal and professional. When trust is broken, it can be incredibly challenging to repair.

As leaders, we must model the behavior we expect from others, demonstrating integrity in our words and actions. This means being transparent in our communications, honoring our commitments, and addressing conflicts directly and respectfully. However, building and maintaining trust is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and effort. We must be willing to have difficult conversations, hold ourselves and others accountable, and continuously evaluate our own actions and motivations. When faced with breaches of trust or ethical violations, it is essential to address them swiftly and fairly, while also seeking to understand the underlying factors that may have contributed to the situation.

In life and leadership, trust is the currency that enables us to achieve great things together. It is the invisible bond that connects us, allowing us to collaborate, innovate, and overcome obstacles as a unified force. For those we lead and love, our commitment to trust and integrity serves as a guiding light, inspiring them to embrace these values in their own lives and work. As we navigate the complexities of building and nurturing trust, let us remember that it is not a destination but a lifelong journey of self-reflection, growth, and unwavering dedication to our core beliefs. By cultivating a culture of trust, we create an environment where individuals can thrive, relationships can flourish, and organizations can achieve their highest potential. In a world that often seems divided and uncertain. We accept the challenge to be the leaders who strive to embody trust in every interaction, decision, and challenge we face. By doing so, we not only transform our own lives and organizations but also contribute to a global shift towards a purpose-driven world.

With love, gratitude and wonder.

Scott