SPEAK LIKE A CEO 307: The Trust Expert: Why Clear Communication Isn’t Enough with Stephen M. R. Covey
Jan 15, 2026
Stephen M. R. Covey, trust expert and bestselling author, explains why trust is the real foundation beneath communication. He contrasts high- and low-trust cultures and names behaviors that build or erode trust. Hear practical leadership moves like declaring intent, leaders going first, and real-world turnarounds from Ford and Hugo Boss that show trust drives speed and performance.
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Trust Is A Learnable Leadership Competency
- Trust is learnable and can be built or lost through behavior.
- Covey stresses leaders can intentionally grow trust as a competency by practicing specific behaviors.
Counterfeit Behaviors Reveal Low Trust
- Low-trust cultures show counterfeit behaviors: spin, hidden agendas, blame, over-promising.
- Covey identifies these as common patterns that reveal low trust faster than outright lying.
Make Communication Two Way And Share The Why
- Shift communication from top-down directives to interactive, two-way dialogue with transparency.
- Covey links high-trust cultures to more listening, sharing the why, authenticity, and vulnerability in communication.
