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. Many leaders assume they know what is in the hearts and minds of their employees and make decisions based on their instincts. But as the global polling organization Gallup has found, leaders' assumptions are often wrong--and so far off the mark that they may be making decisions that hurt the very people they are trying to help. Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, explains how to open the door to true understanding in his interview with IBT Times Editor-at-Large Chris Benguhe in "Gallup Knows Why Your Employees -- And Everyone Else -- Is Unhappy." So how can Social Capital leaders find out what really matters to their team? Listening is a good start, says Clifton. "The single best way to uncover those things is just by talking to people," says Clifton. You can read more about Clifton's ideas in "Information As An Economic Power."

...And it's not what you're thinking, says CEO Jon Clifton

BloomTech CEO offers employers three powerful new hiring strategies.

10 of America's Top CEOs Talk With IBT's Social Capital About How To Be Authentic 
Social Capital: What Is It? Do You Have It? How Do You Earn It?
Adventures in Transformative Venture Capitalism

In a world where attention is the hottest commodity around, the Holy Grail for many companies is attracting the right customers to their online and social media sites. In Secret Sauce: The Ultimate Growth Hacking Guide, Social Capital CEO and technology entrepreneur Austin Allred explains exactly what you need to do to make the most of these sales channels. This easy-to-read manual is a vital crash course in how to attract traffic, customers and revenue with any size marketing budget. If you and your team want to make the most of specific sales channels, like a particular social media site you're using, or aim to master skills like keyword research, you will find many practical tips. For more of Allred's ideas, see "Workers are Calling the Shots in the 'Great Resignation.'"

Fall is the ultimate time to hit the trails, and if you haven't updated your gear in a while, it's a good time to treat yourself. Social Capital company Cotopaxi's Del Dia Collection, made from one-of-a-kind repurposed fabric, offers color-blocked backpacks that you won't be able to resist. One of our favorites is the Tasra El Dia, a streamlined model you can use while hiking, traveling overnight or commuting. At $99, it's a great investment in traveling light and staying organized. For more on Cotopaxi, see "Can Corporations End World Poverty?" 

Balance of Power: The pandemic gave workers more of a say over what happens in the workplace. Will employers seize their power back when the pendulum swings? Perhaps, but Social Capital CEO Bob Glazer argues that there's a middle ground both should try to achieve instead for a happier workplace. (For Glazer's take on authenticity at work, see "America's Most Authentic CEOs Discuss How To Be Real."

Social Capital companies have taken the lead when it comes to putting the needs of employees front and center. That includes helping them learn and grow. Now it looks like companies that invest in training have a clear edge. Most U.S. employees are happy with the training they get at work, but 55% said they will need more training to keep doing what they're doing in their current roles successfully, according to research by the Society for Human Resource Management and the software firm LearningMLS. for more on how Social Capital companies can help their teams learn, see "Want to Prevent the Next Generation of Student Debt? Look Toward Employers." 

Big Pharma is the industry many people love to hate. If you've harbored a secret grudge against Pharma, Fred Hassan may challenge your beliefs. He turned around Schering-Plough after becoming CEO in 2003 at a time the giant company was facing a federal investigation for sales, marketing, tax and disclosure practices, along with serious issues regarding manufacturing and R&D practices. By strengthening the moral fiber of the company, he put Schering-Plough on a brand new trajectory. It saw 17 straight quarters of double-digit growth. If you're looking for a true tale of Social Capital in action, see his first-person account, "Lose the Sales, Not Your Integrity." 

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