I get it. You’re wearing a lot of hats. Your calendar’s full, your inbox is overflowing, and your to-do list never seems to end. You’re busy!
But here’s the truth: if you keep your head down for too long, just checking tasks off a list and staying in “doing” mode, you may be unintentionally limiting your influence, opportunities, and growth.
I’ve learned this the hard way. There were times in my career where I was so focused on the work, rushing through meetings to get to the next thing, that people started to see me as unapproachable or dismissive. That was never my intention, but perception is powerful. And worse, I missed opportunities to build the relationships that would actually have helped me get even more done if I had just prioritized people over tasks.
If you want to be seen as a strategic partner, especially as an Executive Assistant or anyone “leading from the middle”, you need to be a connector.
And to connect people and projects effectively, you need people to know who you are, what you do, and how you can help, while also understanding who to go to for what. That’s where social capital comes in.
Understanding Social Capital
Social capital is the value of your relationships. It’s the trust, mutual understanding, shared values, and behaviors that brings people and communities together and enables cooperative action.
And like any investment, you have to make deposits long before you ever expect to see a return.
For right-hand partners, social capital isn’t just about being friendly or well-liked; it’s about being known, respected, and connected in ways that move work forward. Social capital enables you to have access to the right people, problem-solve faster, succeed through others, and lead without formal authority.
Why Social Capital Matters for Executive Assistants and Force Multipliers
If you don’t build social capital, your work slows down. You may miss out on insider intel or new opportunities. And, perhaps most importantly, without social capital, you miss the chance to add strategic value by connecting people and ideas across the organization.
- Social capital enhances efficiency and problem-solving – Strong relationships across departments mean quicker responses, smoother collaborations, stronger buy-in, and more effective problem-solving. When an Executive Assistant has built trust with various stakeholders, they can navigate organizational challenges more adeptly
- Social capital facilitates influence without formal authority – Executive Assistants and Force Multipliers often need to “lead from the middle,” coordinating projects and influencing decisions without direct authority. Social capital empowers them to guide outcomes through relationships, trust, and competence rather than hierarchy.
- Social capital promotes career growth – Building a robust network can open doors to new opportunities, mentorships, and professional development. If you want to be a strategic partner, then building your leadership skills, social capital, and communication skills are non-negotiable.
How to Build Social Capital (Even When You’re Busy)
The good news? You can build social capital from wherever you are in an organization. Even as an introvert, even when your job is mostly “behind the scenes,” and yes, even when you’re swamped. Here’s how:
1. Be Proactive, Not Passive
If you want to be a strategic partner, you can’t sit back and wait to be included. Start building relationships early and often. Don’t wait to be invited into conversations. Create them!
- Set up quick “get to know you” chats with stakeholders and team members.
- Learn what matters to them, and explain how your role can make their lives easier. Click here to download the Partnering for Success | Communicate Your Role to Stakeholders checklist and slide deck template.
- Reach out to new hires or department heads before you “need” them.
2. Create a System for Networking
Networking isn’t something you squeeze in after work. It is the work. Social capital is built in micro-moments, not just at big events or team offsites.
- Block 15 minutes a day or an hour a week to connect with people in person, via email, or on LinkedIn.
- Consider holding “office hours” to make yourself available and approachable for drop-ins, quick chats, or to answer questions, without allowing it to derail your day.
- Walk the halls. Drop into a team Slack channel. Comment on a team member’s LinkedIn post.
- Learn one new name or role each week.
Be visible and lead with value. Timeblock your networking activities each week. Be intentional about building your network. Your future self will thank you!
3. Lead with Generosity
Always ask yourself: How can I add value to this person? Give first, without expecting anything in return.
- Follow up after meetings with a thank-you note and a helpful article, podcast, or introduction to someone who could provide even more value to that individual.
- Share tools or tips tailored to someone’s role or challenge.
- Ask thoughtful questions and listen more than you talk.
4. Be Bold
You don’t need permission to build relationships or influence change. Your authority is what you decide it is. Someone may say no, but they can’t stop you from asking. Your title doesn’t define your impact, but your actions do!
- Raise your hand to lead a new company initiative or cross-functional project.
- Join a committee or start a group for Force Multipliers to meet colleagues across departments.
- Speak up in meetings by asking a question or amplifying someone else’s point with additional context or data.
- Connect with your colleagues and vendors on LinkedIn or social platforms to learn more about their goals and how you can add value.
- Don’t be afraid to follow up or reach out with a thoughtful question. Leaders are learners!
5. Close the Loop and Follow-Through
Trust is the currency of social capital. Build it with consistency, responsiveness, and follow-up.
- Seek feedback regularly and act on it (when it makes sense).
- Show that you care about people’s time, needs, and ideas by listening well and following-up with appropriate resources after a meeting or coffee chat.
- Be an accountable individual. Do what you say you’re going to do. Don’t overpromise. Always overdeliver. And, remember to close the loop on questions, conversations, and projects.
Build Social Capital Before You Need It
Bottom line, you can’t automate relationships. And no AI tool will ever replace trust. So if you’re looking to grow in your career, don’t just build systems. Build social capital. It’s an asset that multiplies the more you invest in it.
The best time to build social capital? Before you need a favor, a resource, or support on a critical project. The second-best time? Today.
Even when you’re busy, you can build meaningful relationships by showing up with curiosity, kindness, and courage. Not only will your work become easier—you’ll find more meaning, more access, and more growth along the way.
Make it your mission this week: Be visible. Be valuable. Be human.
Want to work on building your social capital? Consider joining The Force Multiplier Academy! The Force Multiplier Academy provides leadership training for right-hand partners. Through over 40 hours of on-demand course content, live group coaching calls, guided strategic exercises, and 25+ tools and resources you can implement immediately to get results, you’ll leave the Academy ready to increase the effectiveness of your Principal, impact the bottom line, land that promotion or next job, confidently navigate your career, and more. Click here to learn more.
