The Next Step in Human Development is Relationship

Human beings are remarkable. We’ve gone from wandering as hunters and gatherers to cultivating farms, establishing towns and cities, and even creating sprawling megacities. We’ve navigated industrial revolutions, built religions, shaken them up, and redefined social norms—from how men and women interact to how children are raised. The technological era has fundamentally altered the way we live, work, and communicate.

But what comes next? What does the future hold for humanity's growth? My belief is clear and resolute—the next great leap in human development will centre on relationships.

Technology’s Double-Edged Sword

Technology has undoubtedly eased many of our burdens. A single tap on a screen can bring food to your doorstep and entertainment to your living room. It enables us to connect with distant relatives, automate mundane tasks, and accomplish work without leaving home.

Yet, this newfound convenience created a paradox. We are more connected than ever yet more isolated. Loneliness and disconnection are reaching unprecedented levels.

• Marriage rates are falling. Single-person households are rising at a rapid pace.
• Men are struggling, with rising rates of mental health issues and suicide. Many feel marginalised, and some are being radicalised in response.
• Workplaces are fractured. Managers spend countless hours resolving conflict, while employees increasingly leave toxic environments.
• The burden on women is immense. Balancing careers with home responsibilities has resulted in burnout. Worse, violence towards women continues to escalate. One woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or family member globally.

For all the advances we’ve made in technology, the crux of our problems is deeply human and far more elusive. At its heart lies our inability to foster healthy relationships.

Losing the Art of Relationship

The truth is, we’ve lost the art of being in relationship. And it shows. From our intimate partnerships to societal structures, humans are struggling to truly connect. We’re adept at building algorithms and armies, yet hopelessly underprepared to manage conflict, provide feedback, or collaborate without friction.

Take a closer look at where people get their understanding of relationships:

• Fiction: We rely on movies, TV shows or books to paint pictures of love, communication, and resolution. These stories often lean on unrealistic, overly romanticised notions.
• Pornography: Young people, by and large, guess at intimacy through distorted portrayals, further embedding unhealthy dynamics.
• Our Parents: For better or worse, many of us use our parents’ relationship as a blueprint—no matter how dysfunctional their relationship may have been.

When was the last time you were explicitly taught how to have a courageous conversation, communicate effectively, to ask for what you want or need, or offer fearless feedback? Most of us never were.

I know this, because, as a Systems Relationship Coach, these are the most sought-after skills in my leadership development courses. Time and again, leaders ask, "How do I cultivate relationships within my teams?" It’s basic, yet essential.

What’s at Stake?

The cost of broken relationships goes beyond hurt feelings—it permeates every aspect of our lives. Consider this:

• Businesses suffer. Productivity plummets as employees disengage and leave workplaces they find unbearable.
• Communities fracture. When relationships falter, the ripple effect can spread into violence, marginalisation, and systemic inequality.
• Mental health worsens. Without meaningful connections, mental and emotional well-being spirals.

But here’s the hopeful truth—humans are built for connection. We are hardwired not just to survive, but thrive in relationships.

A Call to Reclaim Connection

The next chapter of human evolution hinges on us restoring—and transforming—how we interact. The great leap forward is not in another technological advancement, but in breaking down the walls that technology, culture, and history have built between us.

Here’s how we can start:

1. Learn the Art of Relationship. This may seem intangible, but it’s as teachable as any other skill. Start with simple practices like active listening, expressing empathy, and managing disagreements effectively.
2. Redefine Relationship Models. Move beyond the narrow portrayals from pop culture. Experiment, explore, and define what healthy relationships mean for you—whether at home, work, or in broader social circles.
3. Commit to Courageous Conversations. These are the gateways to trust. Talk openly about tough subjects and resolve conflicts constructively.
4. Build Thriving Communities. By focusing on connection, organisations, schools, and neighbourhoods can transform into hubs of mutual support and opportunity.

The Quest to Bring Relationships Back

This is my mission and the mission of so many changemakers around the world. Yes, humans solve problems—sometimes, we even create them. But we are at our best when we treat relationships as both a priority and a skill to be refined.

The human species can thrive if we learn how to foster respect, empathy, and collaboration. Imagine a world where managers no longer spend hours untangling conflicts, marriages thrive, and young people model healthy relationships.

It starts with us. Today.

When we look back over the next century, the defining chapter won’t be about smart homes, AI, or space exploration. It will be about how we rebuilt connection amid disconnection.

Are you ready to invest in the art of relationship? Let's take that next step together. Be it in business, in life, or within ourselves—this is where our future begins.