The Institute of Directors (IoD) Guernsey’s July lunchtime workshop welcomed Tristan Claridge, a world-leading expert on social capital, who shared practical tools and perspectives to help attendees understand and apply social capital in their daily lives.
The event, titled Social Capital in Action: Maximising Its Potential and Value, was sponsored by Skipton International and built on Tristan’s previous research into Guernsey’s social capital.
Tristan explored how organisations, leaders, and communities can leverage social capital to their advantage, emphasising that relationships are a powerful form of capital that can unlock access to other benefits, including finance, trust, reputation, growth, and resilience. He explained that social capital is composed of networks, trust, and shared norms and is activated when we apply connection, communication, and common ground.
Attendees were provided with a framework to help make social capital more applicable in both professional and personal settings. Tristan shared 11 tips to build social capital more effectively, including strengthening weak ties, showing genuine interest in others, investing in communication skills, and utilising technology to stay connected.
He emphasised that social capital is not about accumulating contacts or being the most well-connected person in the room but rather about creating mutual value through small, everyday interactions, community involvement, and authentic relationships.
The session also highlighted how social capital supports wider business outcomes, including lowering costs, improving access to markets and boosting organisational resilience. Attendees heard that by fostering trust and reciprocity, Guernsey can better position itself for long-term success.
Glen Tonks, Chair of IoD Guernsey, said: ‘It was a pleasure to welcome Tristan back to Guernsey to continue his work on highlighting the importance of social capital in our local community.
‘We believe that social capital is one of Guernsey’s biggest assets to solve the challenges we face. This workshop provided attendees with practical ideas to take away and apply in their teams, businesses, and networks. The IoD is proud to champion these important conversations and support our members in putting social capital into action.’
