A recent New York Times editorial piece references this excerpt from the book, The Speed of Trust:

“There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy and civilization throughout the world – one thing which, if removed, will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love…That one thing is trust.”

And this common trust can break or make the flow of ideas.

Ideas happen slowly when people distrust their managers. Ideas happen faster when people can trust their leaders.

Ideas happen slowly when people distrust each other. Ideas happen faster when people trust team members.

Ideas happen slowly when people have no trust that their ideas will get a fair hearing. Ideas happen faster when people have trust that their ideas will be listened to and considered.

Ideas happen slowly when people don’t trust their own abilities to communicate their ideas. Ideas happen faster when people trust their skills to effectively present ideas to decision makers.

If you aren’t rapidly generating ideas – or if as a manager, you feel ideas from your team are bubbling up too slowly – carefully examine common trust factors.

Because ideas happen at the speed of trust.