Book Review- Trust and Inspire by Stephen M. R. Covey

 

Given my respect to the epic writing in form of the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey, which is a staple of leadership and life best practices, I found the theme of this book by his son, Stephen M.R. Covey: “Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others” fresh and thought-provoking.

The book seems to come at the perfect time. Our world is facing unprecedented changes, and we can no longer rely on the management and leadership practices of the past... practices that still guide many organizations today. The post-covid working world, as well as our personal lives, has changed forever and to thrive in midst of these changes, the principles governing the employees or family need to get deepened, broadened and aim at becoming realistic.

Covey acknowledges that these “leadership basics” aren’t novel, but points out that though many leaders talk about inspiring and trusting, few actually do. He offers the solution to the future of work and personal lives; where a dispersed workforce will be the norm, necessitating trust and collaboration across time zones, cultures, personalities, generations, and technology.

The concept of command and control, enlighten command and control and the trust and inspire leadership and an ample number of examples make the concepts relatable, understandable and very much logical. Covey calls on leaders to demonstrate imperative workplace virtues – humility, courage, authenticity, vulnerability and empathy – to create and maintain an abiding sense of mission, purpose and endurance.

As Convey writes that “Trust and inspire” leaders, meanwhile value results, but they achieve them by inspiring their employees’ creativity and developing their potential. He makes a strong case that “trust and inspire” leadership helps retain more employees, fosters their best work, and improves the company’s finances. He also offers reflection questions to help leaders work through common obstacles to trusting and inspiring others, including fears of losing control, not getting results, and working with employees who seem untrustworthy.

The book made me comfortable when it said that the people who try to practice trust and inspire principals are not weak but require the strength to practice it. Not only did this book give me practical reflections and strategies for how I approach working with my colleagues and boss at work to better enhance my own stewardship but it also made me think about being a trusted and inspiring leader in all of my relationships and in my parenting style.

As a mother of two kids, when I think about how I want to raise my sons, it gave me a lot to reflect on. Yes, we might need to manage schedules and bedtime, but there are also chances to lead. To model. To provide chances for my children to bloom. To let them be themselves. To give them the room to live out their own greatness.

Overall, the book is a convincing read. 

Quotes from book

“Leadership is a choice, not a position.”

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

“There are three constants in life… change, choice and principles.”

“The key is taking responsibility and initiative, deciding what your life is about and prioritizing your life around the most important things.”

“Moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, treating people with respect.”