The Importance Of Building Human Capital

Recently, I reached out to an old acquaintance who had just received an overseas job offer. He was all set to travel and begin his new role when an unforeseen event disrupted his meticulously planned journey. He missed his flight, resulting in the forfeiture of his ticket.

He told me that the individual responsible for booking his flight made an error. She miscalculated the time difference and booked a ticket for a flight that was departing the same night he received the ticket. With only an hour left to get to the airport, it was impossible for him to make the flight. Now, over two weeks have passed, and the company has yet to decide whether to issue him another ticket.

This situation led him to a striking realization. He mentioned that if he had the financial means, he would have bought a ticket himself to avoid missing this opportunity. This moment of reckoning highlighted a significant issue in his life, though he did not fully grasp its implications. I could have lent him the money, but I chose not to because I knew it would likely never be repaid. He would have endless excuses and justifications about it, and I just would have to let it go.

The crux of the issue is that my acquaintance has not built a robust human capital network. He lacks genuine relationships that he can rely on. By human capital, I am referring not to economic resources but to the quality and strength of one's personal relationships.

Human capital, in my view, is the network of human relationships we cultivate. There comes a time when we must confront this reality and answer two pivotal questions: Have I built meaningful connections, or have I created gaps and distances?

Unfortunately, this person is primarily known for four negative traits: dishonesty, scamming, borrowing without repaying, and lying. Our actions and words throughout our lives shape our personal brand. This brand is essentially our reputation—what others say about us when we are not in the room. If the personal brand we cultivate with family, friends, and our broader network is negative, our human capital account is depleted, leaving nothing to draw upon in times of need.

When I first met him, he had a respectable job, good connections, and friends. His company even entrusted him with the responsibility to open a new market in West Africa. However, he misused this position to defraud people of their hard-earned money. What started as rumors about his debts soon became undeniable truths. Eventually, he lost his job and continued to spiral downward.

After years of hardship, he managed to travel to Malaysia. During a dinner invitation, I decided to have a candid conversation with him. I spoke about his reputation and advised him to reach out to those he had deceived, make amends, and commit to repaying them. This, I suggested, was crucial for rebuilding his life on a solid foundation.

In my culture, there is a saying: "A thief and a liar are a combo." You cannot be a thief without being a liar. He vehemently denied the allegations, insisting that people were against him. When I asked if all of them were against him, he confirmed they were. I was not talking about an isolated case of character assassination but a consistent pattern of behavior.

But, I chose to drop the subject, seeing no value in arguing. However, the current situation speaks volumes. Despite having more connections with affluent individuals than I do, he finds himself with no one willing to help. This is a direct consequence of a life spent lying, cheating, and scamming.

Engaging in dishonest behavior may provide temporary satisfaction, but life invariably comes full circle. You may find yourself in need of financial assistance for a significant opportunity, only to realize that no one is willing to help, causing you to miss out. Or, in times of illness, when you crave the company of someone who genuinely cares, you may find yourself alone.

The key takeaway is the importance of building the right kind of human capital. This is not about what others can do for you but about cultivating relationships with individuals who share your core values. It all begins with understanding and prioritizing your own values, and setting the tone of your relationships. Building such a network is of paramount importance. During good times, you might feel self-sufficient, but in challenging times, the need for a support network becomes evident. What will you do when those moments arise?

Our lives are our responsibility. Our actions, words, and written expressions shape our reality. We must nurture our relationships with care and integrity. Even small actions, such as leaving dirty dishes for your housemate to clean, can erode relationships.

Dishonesty comes in many forms, and while we might think we can get away with it, the consequences will eventually catch up with us. It is imperative to build and maintain a positive personal brand, as it directly impacts the quality of our human capital.

With all my heart,

Salima