I read this book as a series of two reads into the topic of trust*.

GREAT! ...Did I mention Great!

This is a must read for anyone who thinks like I do - that greatness is found in the freedom to attempt, perfect, professionalize - the entrepreneurial spirit of any person unleashed with passion on a task or topic. However, gaining the ability to exercise that freedom on your job - or the confidence to unleash that freedom in your company or department - requires the important element of ... Trust.

In this book, Covey (this is the eldest of 7-Habits-Stephen's sons) takes us on a first class, well organized, journey into this simple, powerful, but amorphous force. You will learn how the level of trust on a team can act as a tax - dragging down the best of plans and talents, or as a dividend - amplifying average and ordinary plans to achieve great results.

Covey offers you 13 well defined behavior that affect your trustability on the interpersonal (even intrapersonal) level. Take your time and reflect. It's a good trip.

He then offers a good conversation on extending trust into a team, company or family (like 7-Habits, this is a holistic approach to life - not just business success).

Some critics of the book say it is a bit padded and lacks a certain intellectual / academic treatment of its topic - relying too often on the reader to simply agree in Covey's judgment of what is 'right' or 'wrong' intuitively. Fair enough. But most of us use these books as a light workout, not as a research tool. I, too, don't think you'll find Covey's book referenced in any psychology research papers. But it's a nice guided walk through a topic you might otherwise easily brush past day to day. Covey points out many interesting landmarks and vistas to consider. That's the value.

Our environment at Big Brothers Big Sisters is highly predicated on trust - both in the services we offer, and the way we run our business. I just finished this book, but I'm already working on ways to use the material for the benefit of my team. I'll keep you posted.

I highly recommend you do the same.

*The other book in my two-book foray into the topic of trust is simply entitled "Trust" by Kathy Bloomgarden