Low trust causes friction, whether it is caused by unethical behavior or by ethical but incompetent behavior (because even good intentions can never take the place of bad judgment). Low trust is the greatest cost in life and in organizations, including families. Low trust creates hidden agendas, politics, interpersonal conflict, interdepartmental rivalries, win-lose thinking, defensive and protective communication – all of which reduce the speed of trust. Low trust slows everything – every decision, every communication, and every relationship.
From “The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything” by Stephen M. R. Covey
