Our Goal

Through the Human Equation, we want to raise awareness of the crucial importance of human connection, so that people give it greater priority in their daily lives.

Part of this is to explain what quality connection looks like and how it brings something precious to all of us. Research has shown the positive impact that strong relationships have on our mental and physical well-being.

However, human connection appears to be under threat in the digital age. As technology advances, we’re encouraged to believe that ‘faster, easier and more’ is better.

It CAN be, but sometimes ‘slower, harder and less’ creates a greater sense of fulfilment.

We’re looking to build a community of individuals and organisations who share these concerns and wish to strengthen human ties.

Some will be professionals whose job essentially makes them ‘connection specialists’.

Some will be groups, businesses or organisations doing great work to facilitate quality connection.

Others may be looking for help and advice when it comes to achieving more connectedness.

So, let’s look at what the Human Equation represents and how it might bring benefits to us all.

“We have come to expect more from technology and less from each other.”
— Professor Sherry Turkle

e = engage

Take that first step

c = connect

Connect in a quality way

x² = outcome

Enjoy the mutual benefit

It starts with ENGAGE (make an effort to connect) and might involve:

  • Approaching a person you don’t yet know

  • Giving a presentation to an audience

  • Joining a group activity

  • Attempting to re-connect with someone

There might be a reticence to make that first move (rejection anxiety, fear of the unknown, not wanting to get ‘too close’ to someone).

But if it’s done well, in an open and genuine way, you’re off to a good start.

This is where two parties begin to CONNECT. But how do you bring those two parties closer together to the point where they both value the relationship? This is where the right skill and attitude is needed - and confidence.

There’s a curved line under the plus (+) sign that suggests a journey from initial engagement to having that sense of connection. It could happen in minutes. It might evolve over years.

The equation is deliberately simple because we wanted to suggest that human connection is under-appreciated. It’s a complex and multi-faceted thing; there’s an ocean of possibility between e and c!

There are, of course, different degrees of connection and different levels of expectation…

  • You can feel a sense of connection in the first few minutes of chatting to a stranger

  • You can connect with an audience from the stage if you present a case that resonates with them

  • You can begin to take an interest in your employees as people, getting to know them beyond their work role

But there’s also a more gradual process whereby relationships deepen over time, whether with a friend, life partner or trusted client.

X is the positive OUTCOME that results from that sense of connection.

It might be a beneficial business relationship, a sense of safety and belonging in a team, a strong feeling of identity with a social group or a rock-solid partnership.

And it’s ‘squared’ (with a 2) because it’s a mutually beneficial relationship - it’s a good thing for both parties.