Being connected vs feeling connected

Isn’t it ironic that we live in a hyper-connected world where many people feel lonely? We’ve got the means to communicate quickly and efficiently, but many of us shy away from face-to-face conversation and avoid opportunities to speak in public.

We can text in an instant, but people misconstrue our meaning and intent. We’ll scan a name badge without engaging in conversation, ask an employee about their weekend whilst sending an email, apologise to a friend through an emoji, prioritise our phone at the dinner table and hide behind PowerPoint slides instead of presenting an argument.

The Human Equation is a reminder that quality connection matters and we must give it greater priority. It’s easy in the digitised, automated world to avoid physical interaction, but it’s through human contact that we build trust, confidence and the skill of empathy.

The ability to listen, understand, explain, persuade and inspire are vital skills in the 21st century. They come through practice so let’s use the time that technology frees up to do the things that help us feel truly alive, connected and human!

Connection issues in the workplace

  • Remote workers feeling disconnected from colleagues (weakened organisational culture)

  • Psychologically unsafe workplaces where employees can’t show their authentic self

  • Bosses who don’t really know their employees as people (and vice versa)

  • Workers who happily resort to digital channels to avoid face-to-face conversations

  • Networkers who look for quick wins and accumulate business cards and LinkedIn connections, but no trust

  • Presenters who inform but don’t connect with their audience (and then fail to persuade)

“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued.”
— Dr Brene Brown

Problems in wider society

  • A strong correlation between excessive screen time and high levels of social anxiety, depression and self-harm, most notably (but not exclusively) within Gen Z

  • Poor physical health due to inactivity

  • Reduced levels of skill and confidence when it comes to interpersonal communication and relationships

  • High levels of reported loneliness (across all demographics but especially age group 18-24)

  • Conflict and polarisation (an empathy crisis?)

“You can be lonely in a crowd. It’s not just the number of friends you have, it’s the quality of your close relationships that matters.”
— Professor Robert Waldinger