How to Invest in Social Capital

These are volatile times. Disruptive technologies spawn

new products and markets daily-or at least it feels that

way-and organizations respond with constantly changing

structures. Businesses used to review strategies annually;

now strategy is on the table constantly. Mergers and

acquisitions are at an all-time high, throwing companies

together and tearing them asunder at an alarming rate.

These are virtual times, too. Most people used to work

at the office from 9 to 5 every weekday. Now, aided by

technology, work happens in every

imaginable configuration of time and

space. Telecommuters, virtual team

members, and laptop-toting road warriors

abound. Chances are, you are

one yourself or have a slew of them

working for you.

Luddites we are not. There are advantages

to volatility and virtuality.

Volatility spawns opportunity: for

every company crushed by new technology, a new one is

bom. And virtuality gives employees flexibility, just as it

gives companies the competitive weapon of being "out

there" in the trenches.

But volatility and virtuality erode relationships - it's that

simple-which is why