Now more than ever, the world is learning that results are achieved at the speed of trust. Results don’t just require trust among key actors – in many if not most cases – results progress as trust progresses. In our complex, dynamic world, trust networks matter. In fact we might be so bold as to say that trust networks are important results in and of themselves. People and groups who trust one another share information, resources, and time to pursue goals. Trust networks create efficiency in delivery and effectiveness in outcomes. As such – these networks can be the most valuable asset any initiative creates.
If that is so, why do we not then measure our success by the reach, engagement and formation of trust networks as a fundamental part of results logic, performance narratives and reporting ? The RETaIN piece posted here in 2025 suggests one template. Others are emerging. Given the lightning speed advancements in Large Language Model Artificial Intelligence – the capability to track, code and analyze relationships is well within our means. Assessing trust levels as an asset should be a key dimension of any valuation exercise.
World events, technology advancement and our collective reflection on the keys to successful public and private enterprise should lead us to fundamentally rethinking how we plan, monitor, evaluate and adjust performance. We need to put reach, engagement and trust network building as a core piece of the performance puzzle. Stay tuned for more updates both through this site and via platforms such as Home – Performance and Planning Exchange.