I look at electronic networking as just another way to connect with people. Not that much different from in person interactions but sometimes faster and easier.

Re “blurring the lines” this is really right on: we see it not only in the workplace, but in the ways that parents are balancing work/home life in general to include more time with each other and with their kids. Tapping networks at work — for whatever reason — is just another example of the breakdown of rigid work/non-work norms. BTW, look at page 90 in this month’s “Tribeza.” GSD&M’s Tim McClure wrote an excellent column on DSLs based on a conversation we’d had at Starbucks a while back. Very cool to see this getting picked up by leading thinkers.

Regarding the practical application of personal versus professional time on the job, Brian, there is obviously a need for some discretion as Dave points out in his comments. There is plenty of evidence that some of the best brand loyalists are happy employees. Also, the lines between time on the job and off the job are blurring in the innovation economy. I think what we’re talking about here is an acknowledgment of some new realities of the workplace, don’t you? Some older managers may not agree, but that doesn’t make the reality go away.

Blocking Twitter et. al. is like banning rock music for our parents’ generation: all it does is drive away otherwise desirable employees who see this as the equivalent of the telephone. But, is there an appropriate policy of the form “personal Internet sites should only be accessed on personal time?” Is there such a distinction in the minds of Dave Evans’ DSL and Millennial employees?

BTW, for those of us in Houston, can you provide a link for the Houston IMA meeting that Steve is speaking at?

Digital natives refer to the rest of us as “DSL.” In this case, DSL refers to “Digital as Second Language.” Beyond even the Millennials is a generation (kids in Pre-K and K-5 now) for whom “digital” is a first language. It’s more than hyperbole, too: Many of these kids were using interactive interfaces beginning at 12-18 months. Most kids don’t really master vocal articulation beyond a half dozen short words until about 24 months. For this emerging generation, the use of a digital interface preceded speech. My guess is that they’ll be very comfortable “going on the computer” for UGC and similar information about your brand, product, or service.

Regarding the workplace ban of “non-productive” communications tools, this is an issue that grows right out of the ideas behind DSL. It’s a work-style thing, and not everyone gets it. To be sure, if you’re air traffic controller, having Twitter open in the tower is probably a bad idea. Same goes for the counter staff at Wendy’s: it would be really annoying to wait for an employee engaged in a mobile phone conversation before your order was taken. At the same time, and again for an emerging class of professionals that is often different as regards its behavioral norms than the management class sitting above it, the limitations placed on communication actually limit innovation and productivity. It’s hard for digital immigrants (like me, I’m 50+) to get this, but every time I free up the reins (as a manager) I am pleasantly surprised by how much more I get in return.

Social capital is real: it can be created, measured, and put to work like any other asset. As Mike notes, start now in building your plan to maximize it.