November 2004

Innovation Tips

...ideas for building collaborative innovation

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The Triple Spiral of Social Capital

 

The DNA molecule—a double spiral (helix) as Watson and Crick discovered—is the molecule that builds all living organisms. Life in our world would not be regenerated without it. When that intricate and complex molecule goes awry, the whole organism can become terminally ill.

 

Similarly, in our living organizations, there is a triple spiral of conditions that build social capital. When that triple spiral is healthy, the organization perpetuates itself. If any of the three strands of that spiral go awry, the whole organization will suffer or fail.

 

The triple spiral of social capital consists of these three indispensable elements: relationships, vision, and information. Each of these must be healthy for the organization to regenerate successfully.

 

Relationships

The conditions for productive dialogue must be present in the way people relate to one another. Healthy organizations build a high level of trust, starting with the leadership. If the leadership cannot be trusted to be authentic and fair, to be above board and honest, the whole organization will suffer. An absence of trust in the leadership will cast a repressive pall over the whole organization.

 

Vision

At the heart of thriving organizations where people are really pulling together is a strong sense of a meaningful common purpose. Just building shareholder wealth does not cut it. Just collecting a paycheck isn't enough. People need to know that their lives count for something. Enthusiasm and passion for collaborative efforts naturally unfold when people are fully aware of the value being delivered by their joint work.

 

Information

If there is one gnawing, persistent need that we hear in every organization we assess, it is this: the need for better communication. People want to know, have to know, what is going on if they are to make a meaningful and informed contribution to the life of the organization. Open and clear communication is essential. When the channels of communication dry up, so does organizational vitality.

 

These three strands of the social capital triple spiral are the indispensable ingredients for extraordinary success. When they are present, all work is easier. When any one is missing, the living systems of productive work get jammed.

 

(For a fuller description of social capital, please visit our web site: http://www.partnersfi.com) The next Innovation Tips article will appear in January 0f 2005. Happy Holidays!

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