An important book every Next Generation Leader should read is “The Speed of Trust”. There is something about the book that strikes at the foundation of any leadership conversation and that something is TRUST. Covey makes a well-formed case for TRUST being the governor on the speed of virtually every successful business process and action. Simply put, if TRUST exists in your organization, everything happens faster. No need for over-bearing process monitoring, inordinate governance or claustrophobic oversight. If there is TRUST, stuff happens …. fast!
Two concepts from this book are worth consideration as you take on additional leadership responsibilities. Credibility and relationships.
How are you building your credibility? Do you need more training or education? Do you need to take additional time to explain to a colleague or employee how something works? Being credible has a lot to do with your track record. What has happened in the past is just that – history. You can only control your track record from now on. Make it a habit! No shortcuts!
The second point is relationships. The stronger your relationship with the people you work with, the more you can TRUST one another. That does not mean you avoid the crucial conversations – it means keeping every conversation ‘real’. Being honest and open with one another.
Building a strong relationship based on open and honest communications and building a track record of credible results will allow TRUST to flourish and the pace of business to increase. How are you living TRUST at work? What can you do to strengthen your credibility?
-Denise O’Neill, Principle, Corsum Academy