Trust is a Must

Stefan Speligene • May 16, 2016
The Trusted Advisor | Roux LLC Franklin, TN

There’s nothing like a good book. We at roux are constantly buying and sharing good books that have helped us to grow in some way. One of our favorites is David H. Maister’s The Trusted Advisor. This book does a great job of packaging insights and advice on earning strong relationships in business, or in other words, becoming a trusted advisor.


Trust is important for so many reasons. When you have trust in a relationship, it opens the door to candid conversations. When you’re trusted, you are more likely to be sought for advice and forgiven when you make mistakes. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but you get the picture.


For our team to be successful developing, or as Maister says “earning,” trust in every relationship is a must. This is something that takes time and involves a process that has its ups and downs. The keys are not to skip any steps in the process and, much like in our personal lives, stay committed to the relationship.


Once the trust level is reached with someone, the magic happens. The foundation necessary for great work is attained, and the results are win-win. Here in this esteemed place is where success, excellence and fulfillment thrive. The door is opened, and the red carpet is rolled out for endless possibilities.

Maister’s Trusted Advisor Hierarchy

Just as reaching the trusted advisor standing didn’t happen on its own, maintaining it won’t happen effortlessly either. We don’t recommend using the auto-pilot feature by any means. If you can maintain your altitude together, you are sure to see some pretty amazing views and arrive at a destination that is well worth the journey.

Hot Springs Food Pantry Volunteers Pose with Their New Refrigerator | Roux LLC Franklin, TN
By roux LLC April 30, 2024
Learn how Roux’s Food for Thought supports Hot Springs Food Pantry and local efforts to serve neighbors in need.
Say Hello to Annie | Roux LLC Franklin, TN
By roux LLC February 27, 2024
We’re back with another creative croux feature. Normally, these pieces are put together by one of our freelance writers, Annie Van Essen, but this time, we’re spotlighting her!
Mardi Gras 2024: Celebrating 10 Years of Good Times | Roux LLC Franklin, TN
By Lauren Weiss February 12, 2024
Roux celebrates Mardi Gras 2024 and 10 years of good times, Louisiana roots, food, creativity and community.
Lauren, Stefan, Lianna and Karen sit together on a couch | Roux LLC Franklin, TN
February 5, 2024
Every January we like to gather as a croux and plan for the year ahead. It serves as a holiday celebration and a strategy session. We look forward to it every year. Over the last few years, we’ve also begun incorporating a “word of the year” practice, where we each choose a word that we will focus on throughout the year.
A Little Bit of “lanyappy” | Roux LLC Franklin, TN
By roux LLC February 17, 2023
This year, we decided to take our merry-making to the streets of Nashville to see how well the average passerby could interpret some of our favorite Creole vocab. The results were… entertaining. See for yourself!
Favorite Super Bowl Commercials 2023
By roux LLC February 13, 2023
Every year, our croux puts together a roundup of our favorite Super Bowl commercials. This time around, we thought we’d switch it up and ask for submissions of our team’s favorite commercials EVER. Whether from 2023 or 2003, we want to celebrate the advertising magic of Super Bowl Sunday.
Say Hello to Kyle | Roux LLC Franklin, TN
By roux LLC February 2, 2023
Here at roux, we have a wonderful team of creatives supporting us, including photographers, videographers, writers, and designers. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Kyle Sorvick, one of the talented graphic designers we work with as part of our extended croux.
Christmas Greetings from Partners and Friends | Roux LLC Franklin, TN
By roux LLC December 23, 2022
Roux shares Christmas greetings from partners and friends, celebrating creativity, connection and the holiday season.
Show More