Moe Abdou interviews David Horsager author of the book The Trust Edge.
The Trust Edge
I’m always suspicious of someone who repeatedly uses the phrase “trust me” – it’s a clear indicator of that person saying with his lips what’s not in his heart. Trust is the most powerful of character traits, yet one of the rarest to find. It’s one that can only be earned, and never meant to be spoken, only demonstrated and experienced. But once violated, it’s almost impossible to regain. The great Warren Buffett once said that “it takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.’ Perhaps that’s why Mr. Buffett is on the shortest of lists of those leaders we most respect. I started reading Mr. Buffett’s famed letters to shareholders in 1995 and I haven’t missed one since. Not only do they give me a glimpse inside the mind of the world’s greatest investor, more importantly, they always demonstrate the integrity that anchors Mr. Buffett’s thinking. He’s always straightforward, sincere and consistent. He’s humble when discussing wild success, and responsible when diagnosing a misstep. Above all, he’s extremely predictable because every action he takes is a replica of the principles that guide his life. Warren Buffett has what David Horsager calls – The Trust Edge. It’s the ultimate ‘competitive advantage gained when others confidently believe in you’. Horsager suggests that Trust is a competency and one that can be mastered. Here are the eight pillars that will give multiply your trust –