New York Times bestselling author and world-traveling keynote speaker Stephen M.R. Covey recently spent time in Logan County, sharing with business professionals and community members his insights into the value of trust within their organizations.  

“We had the incredible opportunity to welcome Stephen M. R. Covey to a packed house at the Holland Theatre for an inspiring leadership session following our Third Annual HR Unleashed conference,” Logan County Chamber of Commerce officials said.  

“Stephen shared powerful insights from his message, ‘Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others,’ challenging us to rethink how we lead in today’s ever-changing world.” 

Covey is co-founder of CoveyLink and the FranklinCovey Global Trust Practice, and is a son of the late Stephen R. Covey, author of the number one best-selling business book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

To convey just how important trust is, the guest speaker detailed for attendees at the Holland Theatre the “Green and Clean” story that his late father first recounted in the 7 Habits.  

The younger Covey was just 7 years old when he stepped up at a family meeting and wanted to take responsibility for handling the family’s lawn care. His father impressed upon the young Stephen that he’d be his own boss for this endeavor and that his dad would be there to pitch in and help if he asked.  

While the elder Mr. Covey spoke with his 7-year-old son about a win-win performance agreement and a stewardship delegation, this business talk didn’t quite resonate with the youngster, but he knew he felt the importance of this trust that his father placed on him. 

“I didn’t know what those words meant; I was only 7,” the featured speaker said with a chuckle. “However, I felt my father trusted me, and I didn’t want to let my dad down.” 

Relating to this new venture, Mr. Covey’s father instructed young Stephen to keep their lawn “green and clean,” but he didn’t enforce any other specific rules for him to achieve this task - that was up to Stephen to decide for himself. The elder Covey described the desired result, but allowed his son to choose the methods, fostering ownership, responsibility and building a climate of trust.    

For Logan County businesses and organizations today, Mr. Covey said they must accomplish two important goals: win in the workplace and win in the marketplace. That starts with recognizing the reality that most people have far more talent, creativity and potential than their current roles allow them to contribute. 

So how can business leaders close the gap between performance and potential? 

Mr. Covey reminded the audience that while many organizations still operate under a “Command & Control” model, this approach fails to foster the commitment, innovation, collaboration and belonging needed to thrive today. In fact, he said most organizations are over-managed and under-led. 

He encouraged a shift to “Trust & Inspire Leadership.” This type of leader leads with authenticity, humility and courage. They don’t just seek to be trusted and they extend trust to others. When people feel trusted, they tend to rise to the occasion because they want to contribute to something meaningful. 

To close out the session, Mr. Covey challenged attendees to thank a leader who has made a meaningful impact in their lives. 

In addition, he asked them to choose one of the five fundamental beliefs of a Trust & Inspire Leader to put into practice. These five beliefs are: 

People have greatness inside: Leaders focus on unleashing potential, not controlling behavior;

People are whole people: Leaders inspire (not just motivate) by engaging body, heart, mind, and spirit;

There is enough for everyone: Leaders adopt an abundance mindset, prioritizing collaboration over competition.

Leadership is stewardship: Leaders serve others and act as stewards rather than focusing on self-interest.

Influence is from the inside out: Leadership begins with character and credibility (modeling), not just competence. 

“Thank you, Stephen, for taking the time to learn about our community and for challenging us all to become leaders who unleash greatness in others,” chamber officials said.