The 10 Laws of Trust

Book excerpt: Because of trust in leadership, in each other, and in the mission, a tiny company like John Deere grew into a worldwide leader. On the opposite spectrum, a lack of trust is what eventually sank the seemingly unsinkable corporation of Enron. A culture of trust for all companies large and small is invaluable. Trust turns deflection into transparency, suspicion into empowerment, and conflict into creativity. And what many have learned unfortunately is that no enterprise is too large or too successful to withstand a lack of trust within its walls.In The 10 Laws of Trust, JetBlue chairman and Stanford Graduate School of Business professor Joel Peterson explores how a culture of trust gives companies an edge. Consider this: What does it feel like to work for a firm where leaders and colleagues trust one another? Peterson has found that, when freed from micromanagement and rivalry, every employee contributes his or her best. Risk taking and innovation become the norm. In clear, engaging prose, highlighted by compelling examples, Peterson details how to establish and maintain a culture of trust, including:• Start with integrity• Invest in respect• Empower everyone• Require accountability• Keep everyone informed• And much more!As Peterson notes, “When a company has a reputation for fair dealing, its costs drop: Trust cuts the time spent second-guessing and lawyering.” With this indispensable resource for businesses large and small, you will learn how to plant the seeds of trust throughout your organization--and reap the rewards of reputation, profits, and success!