The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey
Summary
In The Speed of Trust, Stephen M. R. Covey argues that trust is not an intangible virtue but an asset that significantly affects the success of individuals and organisations. When trust is high, everything speeds up and costs go down. When trust is low, progress is slow and friction increases.
Covey sets out a model of trust built on two main pillars: character (integrity and intent) and competence (capability and results). He offers advice on how to build and restore trust, beginning with self-trust and expanding outward to friends, family, and colleagues. The book encourages readers to be deliberate about building trust through personal consistency and honesty.
Key Insights
Trust is a skill – It can be created, destroyed, and rebuilt. It’s not mystical—it’s practical and measurable.
We judge ourselves by intentions; others judge us by behaviour – This mismatch is a key source of distrust.
Trust starts with self-trust – make and keep commitments to yourself, set goals, and follow through.
Integrity is foundational – Character can’t be replaced with compliance to rules.
Trust grows through action – Be consistent, tell the truth, admit mistakes, right wrongs, and give credit.
People notice the small things – There are no “little things” when it comes to integrity.
Violating trust erodes self-trust – Lies and low actions damage confidence from the inside out.
Kindness builds trust – Rudeness, silence, humiliation, or broken promises destroy it.
Be courteous even in conflict – Always speak as though the other person were present.
Train people, even if they might leave – it’s better than not training them and having them stay.
Don’t design for the 3% – 97% of people are trustworthy; treat them as such.
Clarity is kindness – Poor performance is often the result of vague expectations.
Trustworthy behaviour includes:
- Telling the truth
- Respecting others
- Being transparent
- Admitting and fixing mistakes
- Holding self and others accountable
- Avoiding excuses
- Keeping confidences and commitments
- Trusting others in turn
The “Waiter Rule” – How I treat people who “don’t matter” reveals my real character.
Trust, but verify – Extend trust wisely—but don’t be gullible.
Strengths
Offers a practical framework for building trust at multiple levels: personal, relational, and organisational.
Packed with memorable principles (e.g. the Waiter Rule, “Speak as though they were present”).
Promotes integrity and kindness as strategic strengths, not weaknesses.
Applies broadly—to leadership, families, and workplaces alike.
Weaknesses
Overlong and repetitive – Many ideas are sound, but padded with filler.
Feels corporate and self-promotional – At times, the tone borders on the evangelical.
Conceptually shallow – The central message could have been delivered in a short essay.
Too much packaging – The endless branding of ideas (e.g., “waves” and “cores” of trust) obscures more than it reveals.
Reflections
Despite my extensive notes, I didn’t especially enjoy The Speed of Trust. While many of its insights are valid, the writing feels bloated and the delivery heavy-handed. The points about self-trust, behaviour over intention, and consistent integrity are well taken. I appreciated the reminder that every small act of dishonesty erodes not just external trust but our confidence in ourselves.
Part of my reaction, I suspect, is cultural. There’s a tone to the book that is overearnest, heavily packaged, and reminds me of motivational seminars. This may go better with an American audience than a British one. Where a UK writer might favour understatement, Covey favours fanfare. It reminded me, oddly, of the contrast between US and UK military culture: American troops whoop and holler; British troops are more cynical and reserved.
That said, the book prompted useful reflection. Some of its phrases have stayed with me, especially the challenge to base conduct on values rather than rules, and the insight that “there are no little things.” It’s a reminder that trust is not just something we earn from others but something we build within ourselves, through consistently doing what is right. It is the small acts that matter, the small daily disciplines of coutesy and respect.
Conclusion
In The Speed of Trust, Covey rightly emphasises the importance of trust in the workplace and society. Trust accelerates everything. Although the book may feel bloated to some readers, its core message, that we should act with integrity towards ourselves and others, is sound.
Book Details
Title: The Speed of Trust
Author: Stephen Covey
Publication Year: 2006
Genre: Self-development