How to get closer

What we mean by close is a lot different today than just a few weeks ago. The 'propinquity theory' suggests that the closer two people are, the more likely they are to influence one another and build a relationship. Propinquity is a terrific word - it means 'closeness' in space, time and relationship. It is word that enables us to encapsulate much of how we have understood the nature of human relationships.

When I was a kid, I went to an overnight camp every summer. The campfire event was the absolute highlight. The massive raging fire was certainly enthralling to the 10 year old me but, in retrospect, so were the unique ways that joining together in a circle brought us so quickly together in a common spirit. The 'chief' (i.e. camp director) would instruct us that we should sit close together and that 'rubbing elbows makes better medicine'. In other words, you are community, be connected and listen closely - it will be better for all of us.

Until now, we have slowly been figuring out the implications of technological intermediation on propinquity. Does our 'togetherness' with other people really necessitate a physical closeness? To what extent do Zoom, Teams and Facetime get us to the point of trust and familiarity that being in the presence of another person does? Many people (some more than others given their circumstances or generation) have been fast adopters of a technology-heavy way of interacting. At Door, we are a global team - most of my interactions day to day are through technology - not in person discussions in the office.

The slow evolution in which technology has been a supplement rather than a surrogate for the face to face interaction has suddenly surged. Now, with our increasing inability and lack of desire to be in natural propinquity, it is only by virtue of our technology that we are able to stay in touch at all! Think of Covid-19 happening in 2001 - our connections with the wide networks we've built would be dark.

I have been captivated with the idea of propinquity and human relationships for a long time - it serves as a central part of my mental framework. (In fact, I wrote a lengthy honors thesis for my degree in philosophy on the topic - happy to share if anyone is interested). This carried through my personnel interest to my professional activities.

As a due diligence analyst, there are an incredible breadth of interactions we have with asset management companies and their personnel - all trying to engage and instill (and maintain) trust. Meeting in person is certainly a large part of that process but not the whole picture. Absent the opportunity to meet in person, analysts are finding new ways to connect and get the insights they need to do their jobs.

Now that we are being forced apart physically, it is remarkable to experience the other dimensions of connectivity that are being built. What will the role of technology be in further enhancing or distancing our engagement with one another? In these extraordinary times of physical distancing, we must recognize that we may be physically distant but not socially. One might argue that with the tools we have available, we are becoming more deeply connected socially than ever though in ways we could never have expected before we have been forced to do otherwise.

Our response to the needs to be together in propinquity - what I believe as a fundamental drive for all of us - is forging new ways to be together. At our core, this is what we humans do, socialize, engage and learn to trust.

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Door is the digital platform that enables manager research analysts and investment managers to engage in the exchange of key due diligence information seamlessly - all from the comforts of your home office/kitchen table.

www.guidetodoor.com