David Horsager asserts, “Trust, not money, is the currency of business and life.”  Horsager writes in an engaging manner revealing how “trust has become the world’s most precious resource” (p. 2).  He points out that trust is not simply a soft skill that cannot be managed but it is a measurable competency that “. . . can be built into an organization’s strategy, goals, and culture” (p. 2).

His theory of trust is built upon the following eight pillars:

1. Clarity: People trust the clear and mistrust the ambiguous.
2. Compassion: People put faith in those who care beyond themselves.
3. Character: People notice those who do what is right over what is easy.
4. Competency: People have confidence in those who stay fresh, relevant, and capable.
5. Commitment: People believe in those who stand through adversity.
6. Connection: People want to follow, buy from, and be around friends.
7. Contribution: People immediately respond to results.
8. Consistency: People love to see the little things done consistently.

 He illustrates each pillar with pertinent examples, stories, and anecdotes.  As he points out the importance of trust for establishing vision and purpose he recalls the words of king Solomon ,

When there is no vision, the people perish.  (Proverbs 29:18)

Throughout the book Horsager weaves the importance of trust into the basis of effective leadership, “Without character, there is no trust.  Without trust, there are no followers.  Without followers, leadership does not exist”  (p. 98).

A trusted leader realizes the necessity of life-long learning.  He quotes Rick Warren to emphasize this point, “The moment you stop learning, you stop leading”  (p. 128).  He continues, “In this attention-span-deprived world of mega media and high-tech entertainment, it is critical to carve out the time needed to think, learn, and reflect.  Continual learning requires an attitude of sensitivity, humility, openness, and flexibility”  (p. 128).

Horsager incorporates a number of practical lists and questions for application to help the reader apply the concepts in the book.  He cites Charles Noble, “First we make our habits, then our habits make us”  (p. 230).

The book is easy to follow with a section of highlights at the end of each chapter along with reflection questions to apply the principles to your life or organization.  If you are seeking to build trust in your personal life or organization you will find The Trust Edge a helpful resource.  To learn more about David Horsager and The Trust Edge see the website thetrustedge.com.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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