One of the most powerful dynamics in any organization is the Speed of Cooperation™. When trust is high, cooperation flies – decisions are made swiftly, tasks are executed smoothly, and challenges are tackled with unified energy. But when trust is low, things slow down. Let’s explore the idea of the speed of cooperation and how trust plays a crucial role in its acceleration. 

When trust is low, cooperation feels like walking through quicksand. Progress is slow, and frustration builds. Here are the signs of fractured cooperation:
1. Siloed information: Team members hold back knowledge out of fear or mistrust.
2. Communication breakdowns: Important conversations are avoided, leading to misaligned goals and unresolved tensions.
3. Delayed decision-making: People second-guess others’ intentions and capabilities.
4. Low energy and motivation: Projects stall because the team isn’t fully invested.
5. Finger-pointing: Blame replaces responsibility, poisoning collaboration.

In client relationships, this manifests as missed deadlines, unclear communication, and a sense of frustration. Delays in responses, lack of feedback, and transactional interactions lead to an overall slowdown in progress.

When trust is high, everything changes. Cooperation flows naturally and quickly:
1. Information is shared freely: No one hesitates to provide feedback or insight because the team is unified by a common goal.
2. Decisions are made faster: Confidence in each other’s intentions and capabilities removes the need for constant second-guessing.
3. Accountability is automatic: Team members own their responsibilities and deliver without being micromanaged.
4. Energy and enthusiasm rise: When trust is present, people are more motivated, which leads to faster progress.
5. Fewer meetings, more action: Clear communication allows for fewer check-ins and more execution.

With clients, this kind of cooperation shows up in prompt responses, proactive problem-solving, and the ease of working toward shared goals. The relationship becomes a partnership, not a transaction, and results are delivered faster.

If cooperation in your business feels sluggish, it’s worth asking: Where is trust being fractured? Are team members withholding information? Are decisions being stalled or revisited repeatedly? Are you missing opportunities because of slow responses? Identifying these gaps will help you pinpoint where trust needs to be rebuilt.

Think about where you need cooperation to move quickly:
* Client onboarding and service: Speed here sets the tone for the entire relationship.
* Project deadlines: Quick cooperation leads to satisfied clients and repeat business.
* Sales cycle: Trust allows you to move through the sales process faster, avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth.
* Crisis management: The faster the team can cooperate during a crisis, the sooner you can turn problems into opportunities.

At the heart of fast cooperation is trust. Trust removes the friction that slows down collaboration and communication. When trust is present, you don’t need to question someone’s motives, double-check their work, or wait for unnecessary approvals.

Here’s how trust speeds things up:
1. It eliminates doubt: You can focus on progress rather than on questioning each step.
2. It enables delegation: Trust empowers people to take action without waiting for constant oversight.
3. It encourages accountability: People naturally want to meet expectations when they know they’re trusted.
4. It fosters openness: Trust makes it easier to speak up, offer solutions, and move forward quickly.

Case Study: A Popular National Association

For years, a popular national association struggled with low trust between its National Leadership and its 36 local chapters. Communication was strained, paperwork was delayed, and leadership roles were unclear. The speed of cooperation was slow because trust was low, leading to friction and inefficiency.

Then, COVID-19 hit. The crisis forced a realignment of values and purpose. Communication increased, and Chapter Leadership Development focused on building bridges between the national and local leaders. Transparency became the new norm, and trust grew as a result. With trust reestablished, the speed of cooperation surged. Paperwork flowed smoothly, communication became proactive, and decision-making accelerated.

This case shows that when trust is intentionally cultivated, cooperation follows—and not just at a normal pace, but at high speed.

Building trust—and speeding up cooperation—requires intentional effort. When was the last time your team was trained on how to build and maintain trust? Have you invested in workshops or facilitated discussions that focus on trust-building? Without trust, cooperation slows to a crawl. With it, your team will move faster, think smarter, and deliver greater results.

In today’s fast-paced world, trust is your most valuable asset. When trust is high, the speed of cooperation is fast, and that’s a competitive advantage you can’t afford to ignore.

If you would like the Speed of Cooperation at your office or association to hit the gas, book a call with me at CallTheEnergizer.com

Scott Carley
Trust Energizer