Predictable Results in Unpredictable Times

that you thought

have to become more strategic and focused and drop a lot of the extraneous stuff that weighs you down and becomes a distraction, all those obligations

The best way to learn is to teach. It’s a commonplace that the teacher learns far more than the student. If you really want to internalize the insights you’ve learned in this chapter, in the next day or so, find someone—a co-worker, a friend, a family member—and teach him or her those insights. Ask the provocative questions here or come up with your own.

In times of crisis, trust makes all the difference. Why is this so? What measurable difference does trust make?

“Widespread distrust in a society…imposes a kind of tax on all forms of economic activity, a tax that high-trust societies do not have to pay.” — Francis Fukuyama, Economist. Ask your partner what this quotation means. How is trust an economic issue?

What “Trust Taxes” do we pay because of widespread distrust?

What “Trust Dividends” come to people or organizations who are highly trusted?

What happens to speed and costs in a low-trust situation? What examples can you think of?

What happens to speed and costs in a high-trust situation? What examples can you think of?

Why is trust a question of processes and systems, and not just moral qualities?

Why is complete transparency so important to building trust? What is the opposite of transparency?

Why does trust depend on keeping commitments? What happens if you fail to deliver on your commitments?

Why is it important to trust others in order to be trusted?

Why do you need both good capabilities and good character to be trusted?