Welcome to the latest edition of the Social Capital Newsletter. Social Capital is an intangible asset at the heart of a new and dynamic view of success, one that is changing business and the world as we know it during one of the most difficult and turbulent times in recent history. You may know Chipotle for its tacos but you may not be aware of the extent to which Social Capital CEO Brian Niccol is putting employees, customers and community front and center. Throughout the pandemic, the company found ways to buy more organic foods, purchase more locally, handle food waste more efficiently and invest in its workforce with internal promotions, as we detail in "Chipotle's Amazing Recipe for a Better World (Part I)." In one year, the company promoted 22,000 people. Niccol shares exactly why he doubled down on these efforts during tough times in the video that appears at the end of our story. 

CEO Brian Niccol discusses how sustainable growth means investing in food and people.

The number one metric you may be overlooking.

The Unleader in Action
Video: Discover is Lifting up an Entire Community in Southside Chicago
How We Can Save The Private Healthcare System in America
 

Many corporate leaders say that their people matter but their decisions send the opposite message. That shatters employees' trust. In Everybody Matters, Bob Chapman, CEO of manufacturer Barry-Wehmiller, and co-author Raj Sisodia, co-founder of Conscious Capitalism, Inc., say there's a better way: Creating a work environment where every employee is empowered to be a remarkable, trustworthy and valuable member of the organization. The onus is on leaders to make decisions that take into account employees' wellbeing, even when under intense pressure, Chapman and Sisodia argue. It's a position that many Social Capital CEOs are taking. And if you can't get enough of Chapman's ideas, check out our recent article, "Bob Chapman Builds Colossal Success on Simple Premise: Treat People with Respect." 

White water rafting has been a rugged American tradition since the 1800s, and it's the ultimate outdoor sport during the steamy days of summer. If you're looking to plan a trip over the next few months, check out the website of Rafting America, an organization of rafting companies around North and South America. You can find opportunities to raft everywhere from Alaska to Chile. It's a great way to  get back in touch with nature, even if you only have an afternoon to spare.

Chipotle's Amazing Recipe for a Better World (Part II): Learn how CEO Brian Niccol is changing lives, one decision at a time. 

First there was the Great Resignation, where employees, driven by a search for greater meaning and purpose, started quitting their jobs in droves. Now employers need to worry about the "Great Customer Resignation," according to Gallup: When customers become actively disengaged and don't think a company delivers on its promises, there is a 19% average decline in business outcomes. It's a compelling argument in favor of the Social Capital approach to business, which is about putting people--employees, customers and the community--first. Looking for more ideas on staying connected to the people who matter to your business? Dive into "Antidote to the Great Resignation: Finding and Putting Meaning in Work." 

Just when one crisis ends, another begins. Many leaders try to put a positive spin on what's going on, but there's a fine line between optimism and distorting the truth. In "Don't Lie to Your Employees, Even When The Truth Hurts," Robert Glazer explains how his leadership team struck the right balance between honesty and ensuring that employees didn't lose hope. He draws on the Stockdale Paradox: Accepting the brutal facts of a situation but keeping an unwavering belief you will prevail in the end. 

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