Trust: Twenty Ways to Build a Better Country

by David Johnston

From our esteemed former Governor General--and author of the bestsellers The Idea of Canada and Ingenious--a very timely guide for restoring personal, community, and national trust.

Trust is a much-needed manual for the repair and restoration of the social quality on which all democracies rely. One of Canada's most revered governors general, David Johnston mines his long life and varied career to give Canadians twenty ways to make themselves, their institutions, and their country more worthy of trust.

Many of these habits, attitudes, and approaches stem from his experiences serving as the representative of the head of state in Canada for seven years. Some ways are individual--listen first, never manipulate, be consistent in public and private. Some are geared toward leaders at all levels and of all stripes--be barn-raisers, tell everyone your plans, depend on those around you. And some are societal--apologize, cherish teachers, invite others to dance.

As such, not only every Canadian, but also every person who cares about their democratic way of life is wise to heed David Johnston's polite yet pressing call. You can become more worthy of trust. You can spot and encourage this vital quality in others. You can be an instrumental force in restoring trust in your community and country--making them better for yourself and your fellow citizens, and the world better for all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Canada, Audiobook

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2018

About the author

Governor of Canada

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fan of all things political, I was eager to get my hands on this book by Canada’s former Governor-General David Johnston. Not a memoir or a biography, this tome is more a piece of inspirational academic writing in which Johnston explores how to strengthen a country’s connection to its citizens, and how said people can connect better with themselves. Johnston offers twenty ways in which the state and its people can come together to form a stronger and more cohesive country, through day to day activities and mindsets. Be it choosing to do the right thing over what one is tasked to do, helping others in their time of need, or even exploring how to better one’s self to positively impact the larger whole, the book promotes trust through these and other actions. Johnston uses concrete examples from his own life, as well as pieces ripped from the headlines of crises with whom many will have a recollection, to hammer home his points. This provides a less esoteric approach to his arguments and personalises the entire experience. While likely not for everyone, Johnston offers up his examples in such a way that anyone could relate and take on the challenge of bettering themselves for the benefit of the country as a whole. I liked it and did learn a great deal, but it does have a niche that I am not sure how others might enjoy these inspirational vignettes.

While I am used to the bloodier side of politics, it is nice to turn to something a little lighter from time to time. I can hear readers of this review now, “Isn’t everything Canadians ‘a little lighter and more upbeat’?” In all honesty, David Johnston’s piece here offers Canadians (and anyone else who chooses to read it) a little something to move them in the right direction. As the piece is drawn on his experiences, Johnston’s narrative is Canada heavy, though his position as Canada’s Governor-General makes it a little more worldly when he speaks of things he saw during his travels. The book is not necessarily written in an academic fashion, but there is no getting around that some of the themes lend themselves to a more mental bantering than simple chatter around the pub table. That being said, Johnston writes in such an open manner as to make it easy to understand and readers almost want to forge ahead to learn a little more. I was able to put this on audio and enjoy Johnston recount his experiences, learning while also not feeling as though I had to strain to pay attention to every nuance. These personal experiences have made me want to learn more about David Johnston and I know that I would read a memoir or biographical piece about his life. Then again, I am Canadian, so I need all the “lighter and more upbeat” that I can get!

Kudos, Rt. Hon. David Johnston (I admit, the proper title eludes me), for this great piece of writing. I felt inspired and more curious throughout this reading journey.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust: Twenty Ways to Build a Better Country, by David Johnston, is a book with twenty principles to build trust in politics. Written by Canada's 28th Governor General, this book is full of wisdom, heart and a voice that has been central to Canada's cultural and political centre. Johnstone is a prolific author of Canadian culture and values, and his viewpoints are built from his experiences in education, politics, and his close connection to Canadian culture as a former Governor General. The principles in this book are not only applicable to those seeking to improve the ethics and morals of politics. Instead, these principles are useful both for personal development, and as tools to improve ones capacity for trust in leadership positions or in the workplace. The following are the list of principles discussed, and each one is expanded upon with ruminations, personal anecdotes, and experiences from Canada's cultural sphere:

1. Never manipulate
2. To thine own self be true
3. Listen first
4. Be consistent
5. Do the right thing, not just the thing right
6. Rise above written rules
7. Find some faith
8. Follow the Golden Rule
9. Show up, not show off
10. Act in the first person plural
11. Be a barn raiser
12. Know there is more than one right way
13. Tell everyone the plan
14. Depend on those around you
15. Recognize a present peril
16. Invite others to dance
17. Apologize
18. Honour our teachers
19. Be a knowledge diplomat
20. Start now

All of these principles are excellent ruminations on how to build trust in organizations, and how to make oneself, as a public figure or leader, trustworthy to those around you, as well as creating a more trusting environment in general. Trust is a major factor in governance, and in Canada, ethics is an important consideration in any political career, even going so far as to be a major factor in any education in political theory in this country. This book is influential, poignant and concise. I very much enjoyed this read, and may even consider purchasing it - all proceeds go to the Rideau Hall Charity Foundation - a government run charity that seeks to reward and fund Canadian cultural, scientific and social initiatives. A great read, and easily recommended to those interested in principles of trust, improving their leadership and governance skills, and those looking for a peek into Canada's political culture.

[Ian Gillies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trust Twenty Ways to Build a Better Country is by Canada's former Governor General, a man of many accomplishments in business, academia and sports. Johnston's central idea is that virant communities depend on high levels of trust, yet in our times, in Canada and around the world, trust as measured by opinion surveys is declining. I take the point but also wonder if there is a gap between our professed trust in others or public institutions and actual levels of trust that people use to live day to day. I believe the public narrative of our times is that things are bad and getting worse but, in private, most people see better times ahead. Certainly the dominant evidence is that by indicators such as health, longevity, wealth and violence things are actually improving over the last couple of decades. Be that as it may, I take the ideas in the book seriously. It is a check list of actions that can build a better self, a better community and a better country. I suppose it it a kind of a self help book with expanding levels of improvement in mind. Like most self help books, many of the recommended actions are based on common sense. For example, under Part 1, Make Yourself Worthy of Trust, there are short chapters on "To thine own self be true; listen first and follow the golden rule". The value of the book lies not in these simple formulas but in the examples given from Johnston's own experience of how to put ideals into action. While the writing is a bit dull at times, the material is good and I was happy that I read the book. The sincere motivation behind the book leads into some useful introspection.

[Scott Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting former Governor General David Johnston on a couple of occasions, first as part of his leadership in the United Way campaign for the National Capital Region, and second as part of an awards ceremony presenting Exemplary Service Medals to correctional workers. As with almost any ceremonial engagement, it is hard to get the measure of a person. But here, in these very engaging and personal lessons about the nature of trust, anchored in simple but meaningful axioms, it is very easy to see what made Johnston suited to be Canada’s vice-regal head of state. This book will draw you into reflections about your own understanding of trust, into self-assessing your trustworthiness and into understanding how you can build a nation of trust.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful piece of academic writing, inspiring and personal, as the author recalls how trust was a tool in the past years, as a GG but also as a Harvard student, and during his years in his academic career.
Beautifully written, highly recommend to anyone who need optimism in these dark moments.

[Janet Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

20 different lessons on trust - how to grow it, keep it, and spread it. The lessons are vital to this country - but I sometimes felt that Johnston was quick to highlight himself and did not give examples of other people who inspire and build trust.

[Curtis D’Hollander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the Right Honourable David Johnston for providing me this terrific book.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for statesmen today, take a look at David Johnston, the former Governor-General of Canada. In his third book he shares a few lessons from his own life, shining as a humble servant to his country, for building trust. Whether you're on a small team, a corporate leader, or entrusted with maintaining the civic life of a nation, this manual has lessons for you.

[Mark Oppenlander · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Johnston's professional life spanned law, education, and government. In the twilight of his career he became the Governor General of Canada, a role for which he received many accolades. After retiring from public service, he wrote this book reflecting on the intangible value of trust, a key ingredient in a functioning society. This is only a few years old, so his reflections on the subject are extremely current and timely.

The book contains 20 chapters, each with a different idea for how to develop trust. Topics range from things as simple and profound as "Listen First" to more complex ideas such as "Be a Knowledge Diplomat." The 20 chapters are then collected into three overarching sections, the first on becoming a trustworthy person, the second on getting groups of people to trust each other, and the third on becoming a society built on trust. At a simplistic level, we might describe these as sections on personal integrity, group cohesion, and societal interdependence. With each concept, Johnston uses examples and anecdotes from his long and varied career, ranging from his school days into his time as Governor General.

Johnston's writing feels thoughtful yet approachable. An educator at heart, he addresses difficult facts, such as the loss of trust due to online misinformation, or the need for European settlers in North America to apologize to the indigenous tribes they misplaced, with grace and rationality. Although his solutions to issues of trust may seem straightforward, he does not ignore the complexity of implementation. The book itself is crisp, clocking in at under 200 pages.

Trust was another book to which I considered giving four stars. I still wish Goodreads had a half-star option. If it didn't quite rise to the next level for me, it may be because I am not Canadian, and the appeals to patriotism don't land quite the same for a US citizen. Or, it could be that I found myself discouraged about how far away from the ideal we have become, in our partisan politics, misinformation campaigns, and international feuding.

This book - or one like it - should probably be required reading for all those who want to go into public office, journalism, or education. But truthfully, businesspeople, lawyers, engineers, and artists could all benefit too. Trust is for all of us, and when it breaks down, so does our world's ability to function.

[Mari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good read. I was expecting on my first read of this book, that throughout the chapters the topic would be explored in depth, unfortunately, it wasn't. The book gives some insight on how to earn trust, but I felt like it didn’t really touch on how to build a better country or maybe I just missed that part while reading. Every time I finished a chapter, it felt like something was missing. Most of it focuses on the author’s own journey as Governor General rather than offering concrete ideas or facts about the main topic. And WOW the author is obsessed with Rideau Hall. He mentions it constantly at first, but by the end of the chapters, it’s like the main topic just disappears. Like, seriously, the conversation dies every time Rideau Hall comes up. Poof. Gone.

On the positive side, it did highlight every single thing about each part 1–3 context in each chapter, which made it easy to follow the structure and understand what the author was trying to cover.
I also appreciate the way the author introduces other characters and sprinkles in inspirational phrases. I wish we got some perspectives from these other important people, rather than only seeing things from the author’s point of view.

Overall, the book is adequate enough to finish and i wouldn't really recommend it to people like me who wants the topic to be more extensive. Even though I was having a hard time getting through it, as the multiple mentions of Rideau Hall exasperated my brain. There are a few useful takeaways, but I can’t say it completely lived up to my expectations.

[Erin Panjer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book will not lay out for you the areas that this country needs to face in order to fix the trust that for the most part has been broken. This is more for people who already have privilege and power enough to exert their influence of character, in breaking down what makes someone trustworthy as imparted wisdom. Not for those who have seen the spectacular mess from the inside which can make lowly citizens reel back in their trust and diminish their happiness index. With very little idea of the classist nature of our society in the reality of position and wealth. This will not lay out how business has influenced our culture and politics, where like an advertisement of a big mac, most know already not to expect to receive what the picture advertised looks like, we are culturally influenced not to make a big deal about getting less, untruthfulness is the norm, and to expect it. It will not lay out how our organizations purposefully fall short of funding to have a true meaningful impact, and how to fix it. Or how we constantly fail young people. He has good intentions, but he has mostly a macro view. If you want to hear how wonderful we are as a country, and how other countries view us, and his excursions with the queen, or are a leader of some providence, then this book is for you.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the quick read - repetitive as so many such non-fiction books tend to be, but all the better to reinforce the messages. Would likely be a good book for high school civics classes to use, or poli sci / public admin programs.

I wanted to get a better sense of Johnston since this past week he was named as special rapporteur responsible for investigating claims of Chinese meddling in the last two federal elections — a role that will critically require someone who is trusted to be thorough and non-partisan when delivering the results so as to assure Canadians which institutions they can trust and what actions are necessary to maintain the integrity of our elections. Despite PP’s efforts to immediately undermine Johnston (and everything that makes Canada good and safe and worth being proud of), I hope Johnston’s actual professional track record, including writings such as this book, can be prominent enough to assure Canadians that his integrity is reliable.

[Kailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook and I wanted to enjoy it more than I did. It was nice to read something lighthearted that highlights some things that are great about Canada and Canadians. However, Johnston’s perspectives are out of touch. He is an exceptionally privileged white man whose career was spent in the ivory towers of academia. His narrative is often riddled with patronizing platitudes. At times it was painful to listen to and I would find myself rolling my eyes. I don’t think I am worse off for having listened to it. I am a nerd when it comes to Canadian government and politics so I enjoyed learning more about the role of the Governor General. Overall, the book barely had enough good to overcome the cringeworthy parts.

[Carol McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't able to finish this book before it was recalled at the Library, but I will get it from the library again to finish it. Not the easiest of books to read, but it is very well written.
The book is broken into 3 sections: Make yourself worthy of trust, Build trust around you and Create a trustworthy and trusted country. Each chapter explains clearly the rationale behind the "lesson" and provides a good example of why it is important.
This would be an ideal book for students to read - perhaps encourage many to adopt some of these principles - truly it would make Canada a better country.

[Kbeckermann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am torn on what I think about Trust. The 20 ways to build a better country are 20 principles that would benefit everybody (individually and collectively. That is the strength of the book.

On the other hand, I found Johnston egotistical at times and we would be better off if we acted like him (& his family). I admire Johnston but think Trust would have benefited from a more humble presentation.

I would still recommend it to inspire and bring hope for solutions to some of our challenges today.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am also reading the Idea of Canada, Letters to a Nation also written by David Johnston. Trust is something we seem to lack in this very challenging time, hard left/hard right views have made many angry and aggressive. We seem unable to consider anothers view point or agree to disagree, it's all or nothing. We are fortunate Canada is not like the US where intimidation, cancelling, the woke movement and violence from both sides seems to be their solution. Mr. Johnston's 20 ways to build a better country are common sense, putting we before me, giving not taking etc.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to hear David Johnston speak on this book at Stratford. Meeting him and getting a signed copy of the book was a bonus! I am always impressed by the humility of such accomplished individuals. As a keen follower of the Edelman Trust barometer, I could not agree with him more. If we are going to get things done, we have to trust one another and he gives good ideas on how to build trust starting with oneself. Our political leaders would do well do to heed some of his advice.

[Steven Hepburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

No better time to read this book then during an international pandemic. David Johnston illustrates 20 different ways to build a better country and at this very moment we should heed his words. Stuck in a situation where we are required to trust that our elected officials, health care practitioners, scientists, and our fellow citizens are each is taking the necessary to stop the pandemic, this book should serve as a reminder of how to build that trust.

[Aaron Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a nice message here and overall good advice. While the focus of theme is political in nature, the concepts can be transferred to personal and professional life. I never felt talked down to while reading this but I did at times feel pandered to, which is why I didn't give a higher rating. I mean, it is a political book in nature after all. :^)

[Jonah Dunch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The proglib answer to Twelve Rules for Life. A gift from my mother, and suitably so: David Johnston comes off through his writing as a wholesome, erudite, and wise man who's seen it all. Now we just need, like, Naomi Klein to write the leftie version to keep Canada's politically charged listicle life advice dialectic in motion.

[Philip Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting former Governor General David Johnston while he was president of the University of Waterloo and I was an undergrad. The lessons he shares in this book, truly valuable life lessons, seem consistent with what I knew of him then. Notably, he explains why it is important to have a dignified arm of the government (i.e. the monarchy, which includes the Governor General’s office). It can help keep the government responsible to the people. It can bring honour to politics. It can help bridge the gap between government and citizens through awards and honours.

Johnston shares several personal experiences and talks about how they relate to the lesson at hand. He also shares some common experiences from the news to illustrate his points. Trust underpins everything in this book, including how he ran his office. Trust means that his staff were empowered to make decisions. I cannot help but feel for the staff who had to endure the transition to Payette who later had to step down after allegedly creating a truly toxic work environment. It must have been an incredible shock.

This book brings hope in a time when politics can be so divisive and uncivilized.

[Joshua Goetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for leaders to read. David Johnston was beloved as our Governor General, and you can see why as he lays out many of the lessons he has learnt over the years, in how to manage, treat people, and lead in a society that is increasingly cynical.

[Kevin Mcbeath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight from a statesman who has a wealth of experience and a breadth of knowledge. I grew in appreciation of who David Johnston is, the important role the governor general plays and most importantly the role each of us can play in becoming trustworthy for the sake of improving Canada.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lucid, wise and inspiring book! Already proud to be a Canadian, I found this book to be both affirming and challenging, as our former Governor General lays out his belief in the importance of building and and maintaining trust as the keystone of what makes Canada great -- still. Excellent.

[JW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly inspiring.

[NEON8L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several nice nuggets of wisdom from a man with a lot of expertise and experience.

[Isabelle Duchaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love and respect DJ so much, but you can't write a book about trust in 2019 and... not talk about Donald Trump.

[Joan Gough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, especially in these times with false news, conservative mandates and elections in the future.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing surprising, but a good refresh and interesting Canadian anecdotes.

[Norbert Haukenfrers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book on the value and role of trust in democracy and the flourishing of communities. Instructive and illuminative. Highly recommend.