Why We Struggle to Connect at WORK And Beyond: Lost Relational Skills

In today’s fast-paced world, many long for deep, authentic connections both personally and professionally. Yet, cultural foundations rooted in individualism and patriarchy often deprive individuals of the essential relational skills needed for genuine connection. While patriarchy upholds gendered power imbalances, individualism emphasizes autonomy and self-reliance—frequently at the cost of relational depth. These intertwined influences shape how we communicate, collaborate, and relate across workplaces and communities, creating significant barriers to trust, empathy, and vulnerability. Read on to explore the roots of these challenges and how to overcome them.