Building Your Social Equity Bank
Small Moves for Big Wins
In chess, there’s a tactic called "quiet moves." These are small, non-flashy moves that don’t immediately seem to change the board but set you up for big wins later. Social equity works the same way—it’s about laying the groundwork, one small move at a time, for future success.
As we've explored various aspects of Organizational Quotient (OQ)—from understanding player types to reading organizational dynamics—we now turn to one of the most powerful yet understated strategies: building the relationships that amplify your influence far beyond your formal position.
One of the most valuable lessons I ever learned didn't come from a manager or a leadership workshop—it came from my mom. She taught me about the concept of "social equity" in the workplace, a currency that doesn't show up on any balance sheet but can be the difference between career frustration and career success.
I've always been frustrated when someone responds to a request for help with, "It's not my job." Early in my career, I watched a colleague shut down a simple request from another department with those exact words. Weeks later, when he needed cross-functional support for his project, he found doors mysteriously closed. In contrast, I've made it a personal policy to never use that phrase, regardless of whether something falls within my formal responsibilities. Instead, I'll take the extra step to find the right person or do some investigation myself.
The Quiet Currency of Organizational Success
Social equity is the idea that helping people, even when there's no immediate reward, builds up a kind of goodwill.
It's not transactional, and it's not about keeping score. It's about consistently adding value to your network, supporting others, and contributing to the community in a way that, over time, pays off in dividends. The returns aren't instant, but they're powerful.
As organizational psychologist Adam Grant notes in his research on "givers" and "takers," "The most successful people are those who are best at helping others succeed." This isn't just feel-good advice—it's backed by research showing that generous professionals often outperform their more self-focused peers in the long run.
In many ways, building social equity is like banking—except, in this case, the deposits are favors, support, and help, and the returns are influence, goodwill, and reputation. You help others not because you expect something in return but because you're building your "social bank." When the time comes and you need a favor, advice, or collaboration, the people you've helped are more than happy to step up. It's the quiet move that changes the entire game.
The Power of Quiet Moves
In chess, a "quiet move" is one that doesn't seem like much. It's not the bold capture or the big check; it's a subtle repositioning that creates future possibilities. In the workplace, social equity is your quiet move. Helping a coworker with their project when you've already got a full plate? That's a quiet move. Offering advice to someone who's struggling, even though it doesn't immediately benefit you? Quiet move. Volunteering to lead an initiative that no one else wants to touch? You guessed it—another quiet move.
These are the kinds of actions that don't always get recognized or rewarded right away, but they are setting you up for the long game. Every time you make one of these moves, you're depositing into your social equity account. And the thing about social equity is that it compounds over time. The more you do it, the more people notice, and the easier it becomes to accomplish big things down the road.
Why Social Equity is Critical in Today's Workplace
In today's fast-paced, increasingly remote, and interconnected workplace, relationships matter more than ever. No matter how talented you are or how many qualifications you have, you need people. People to vouch for you, to support your ideas, to help you navigate difficult situations. And building that network of support doesn't happen overnight—it takes time, effort, and, yes, a little bit of strategy.
Social scientist Robert Cialdini, in his influential work "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion," identified "reciprocity" as one of the most powerful principles of human interaction. "The rule says that we should try to repay, in kind, what another person has provided us," he explains. This deeply ingrained social norm means that the help you provide today creates a natural inclination for others to help you tomorrow.
Here's the thing: most people focus on their immediate goals. They're so busy trying to climb the next rung on the ladder that they forget to build relationships along the way. And then, when they get to a place where they need support, they realize that they don't have the social capital to get the help they need. By building social equity early and consistently, you're creating a foundation that will support you when you need it most. You're investing in relationships and in your long-term success. And just like in chess, those quiet moves often lead to game-changing results down the line.
How to Build Your Social Equity Bank
So, how do you start building social equity in your organization? The first thing to understand is that this isn't about being a doormat. You're not running around doing favors for everyone just to get ahead. Social equity is about creating genuine connections, offering help where you can, and being an active, positive part of your work community.
The approach varies by organizational context. In highly competitive environments, Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy suggests in her research on first impressions that we should focus on demonstrating warmth before competence: "Before people decide what they think of your message, they decide what they think of you." In collaborative cultures, your contributions to others' success may be the primary currency.
Strategic Approaches to Building Social Equity
1. Be Generous With Your Time and Expertise
If someone asks for help, and you can offer it without derailing your priorities, do it. Share what you know, offer guidance, and support others in their projects. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture—even answering a question in a Slack thread or sharing a resource can add value.
2. Help Without Expecting Immediate Returns
The whole point of social equity is that it's not transactional. Don't keep score or expect something in return every time you help. Think of it as investing for the future—you may not see the returns right away, but over time, the goodwill you've built will pay off.
3. Support the People Who Need It Most
Sometimes the best way to build social equity is by helping the underdog. Maybe there's someone in your organization who's struggling, or a project that's not getting the attention it needs. By stepping in to offer support, you're not only building goodwill but also positioning yourself as a problem-solver and a team player.
4. Stay Consistent
Building social equity isn't a one-time thing. It's about consistently showing up, helping others, and being a positive force in your organization. The more you do it, the more people will come to see you as someone they can rely on—and that's when the real returns start to roll in.
Quick Tip: When you’re on a large meeting with other colleagues who may not work with regularly, send them a chat message during the meeting just to say hi. You’d be surprised how far that will go. People want to interact. People want to connect.
The Hidden Value of Social Equity
The beauty of social equity is that it's often invisible—until it isn't. You may not realize how much social capital you've built until you really need it. Maybe it's when you're launching a new initiative, and suddenly you have a group of colleagues who are eager to help. Or maybe it's when you need a recommendation or an advocate in a high-stakes meeting, and someone you've supported in the past steps up for you.
This is what renowned sociologist Mark Granovetter described in his landmark 1973 paper "The Strength of Weak Ties" as the power of extended networks. Your social equity extends beyond just your close colleagues to create a network of connections that can activate at critical moments. As Granovetter's research showed, these seemingly peripheral relationships often provide the most valuable opportunities and support.
Social equity isn't just about getting things done—it's about creating a support system that helps you navigate the complexities of corporate life. It's about having people who will speak up for you, back your ideas, and help you overcome obstacles. And the best part? It's not about pulling strings or making demands. It's about the natural, organic give-and-take that comes from building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Winning the Game with Social Equity
In chess, the quiet moves are often the most powerful because they set the stage for big plays later in the game. Social equity works the same way. The small, thoughtful actions you take today can lead to huge payoffs in the future. Keith Ferrazzi, author of "Never Eat Alone," puts it succinctly: "The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity." This generosity isn't just altruism—it's strategic positioning that pays dividends throughout your career.
This approach connects directly to what we've discussed about authentic leadership in previous post. Social equity building must come from a place of genuine interest in others' success, not manipulative calculation. As we explored in our discussion of authentic leadership, people can sense inauthenticity, and superficial networking rarely yields meaningful relationships.
As you move through your career, remember that your social equity bank is one of your most valuable assets. It's not something you can buy or fast-track; it's something you build, one interaction at a time. And just like in chess, those who invest in their quiet moves are the ones who win in the end. Your career, like the chessboard, is constantly evolving. You'll face new challenges, new opportunities, and new players. But with a strong social equity bank, you'll always have the support you need to make your next big move.
The Next Move Is Yours
What quiet moves will you make today that will position you for success tomorrow? How will you convert your social equity into the influence needed to achieve your most important goals? The most successful organizational players understand that in both chess and career, victory often comes not from the dramatic captures but from the patient positioning of pieces—and relationships—over time.
