Despite rapid changes in the workplace and technological advancements, many leaders continue to rely on outdated “command and control” methods.

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey continue their powerful conversation with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, about his groundbreaking book Trust and Inspire. Part 2 of the discussion dives even deeper into how leaders can shift their mindset, their language, and their relationships to become the kind of leader people actually want to follow.

Stephen explores the difference between managing things and leading people, the practical application of stewardship agreements, and how even in moments of pressure, when our “style gets in the way of our intent”, we can choose to lead with trust and inspiration. From stories about Steve Jobs and Lin-Manuel Miranda to personal family experiences, this conversation makes Trust and Inspire practical, relatable, and transformational.

The episode also highlights how trust and inspire leadership apply far beyond the workplace, in parenting, teaching, coaching, and everyday relationships. Because at its core, leadership isn’t a position, it’s a choice.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance accountability with empowerment, or how to unleash the potential already inside your team, this episode offers the roadmap.

What We Discuss

• [00:17] Introduction
• [01:29] Steve Jobs and the tension between inspiration and micromanagement
• [07:00] Command and control as the “native tongue” of leadership
• [08:07] Becoming a Trust and Inspire person before becoming a leader
• [10:16] The difference between management and leadership
• [16:00] Lin-Manuel Miranda’s teacher and the power of seeing potential
• [19:04] Why Trust and Inspire is not just idealistic, but practical
• [25:13] Practical steps: clarifying expectations and accountability
• [32:30] A practical invitation: identify one relationship to transform with Trust and Inspire

Notable Quotes

• [13:00] “Always remember this: with people, fast is slow and slow is fast.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
• [17:22] “Leadership is seeing and communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
• [33:50] “Trust and Inspire is not soft leadership. It’s the strongest form of leadership there is because it’s grounded in expectations, accountability, and belief in people.” — Stephen M. R. Covey

Resources

Paradigm Shifting Books

• Podcast
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• YouTube 

Books

• Trust and Inspire by Stephen M. R. Covey
• The SPEED of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey
• The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey

Stephen M. R. Covey

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Britain Covey

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• Instagram

Stephen H. Covey

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