I first read The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey 10 years ago. At the time, I was managing over 400 residential properties and understood that it was imperative for our company to establish trust with our landlords from the very beginning of our business relationship.
Now, as a commercial property inspector serving Northern Virginia, I’ve also seen firsthand how trust, or the lack of it, can make or break the relationship between property owners and service providers. In his book, Covey outlines how trust isn’t just a soft virtue. It’s a measurable, actionable asset that affects speed, cost, and outcomes in every relationship.
When it comes to commercial property inspections, especially those geared toward annual preventative maintenance, Covey’s insights are particularly relevant. Here’s how the principles in The Speed of Trust align with the way we approach our work and foster long-term partnerships with our clients.
Trust Lowers the Cost and Increases the Speed of Doing Business
Covey’s core idea is that when trust goes up, speed goes up, and costs go down. When trust is low, every interaction takes longer, and everything costs more due to increased oversight, duplicated efforts, or hesitancy in decision-making.
Our goal as inspectors is to become a trusted extension of your property management team. When you trust us, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every year with a new inspector or re-explain your building’s history. You know we’ll show up, we’ll be thorough, and we’ll give it to you straight. That saves you time, money, and stress.
Character + Competence = Credibility
Covey explains that trust is built on two main pillars: character (integrity and intent) and competence (capabilities and results).
We build character-based trust by being transparent, objective, and proactive in our recommendations. We’re not here to scare you or your clients into repairs or provide a report with unnecessary red flags. We’re here to give you honest insights, even when that means telling you that things look great and no action is needed.
We build competence-based trust by staying current on regulations, materials, and construction practices, and by delivering detailed, easy-to-understand reports that help you make informed decisions. Over time, this consistency builds credibility, which is the foundation for a strong, ongoing partnership.
Preventative Maintenance = Trust in Action
Our background in property management taught us that annual inspections aren’t just a checkbox. They are part of a critical trust-building process. They demonstrate that you care about your building, your tenants, and your long-term investments. When you engage us for regular inspections, you’re telling your stakeholders: “We’re not cutting corners. We’re protecting value proactively.”
By consistently showing up and delivering reliable evaluations year after year, we reinforce our commitment to your success. That’s what The Speed of Trust is all about: creating a feedback loop where reliability leads to efficiency, and efficiency reinforces reliability.
Long-Term Relationships Require Intentional Trust-Building
Covey reminds us that trust is built intentionally. It doesn’t happen by accident. Our long-term relationships are rooted in our commitment to being dependable advisors. Not just once, but year after year.
We believe in earning your trust slowly and keeping it fiercely. Whether it’s through flexible scheduling, tailored reporting, or simply remembering the quirks of your building from last year, we demonstrate that we’re in it for the long haul.
Aging is Inevitable, Attention is Always Needed
If you’re managing a small retail outlet or office property in Northern Virginia, your buildings will age. Your HVAC systems, roofs, plumbing, and parking lots will need attention. But with trusted eyes on your property every year, you can catch issues early, avoid costly surprises, and protect your investment.
At Bright Leaf Commercial Property Inspections, we don’t just inspect buildings. We build trust, one report at a time.
Ready to build trust through preventative maintenance?
Contact us today to schedule your annual inspection and experience the difference a relationship-centered approach makes.
