The world is facing a crisis of care. Our systems—healthcare, education, and more—are failing to meet the needs of both those who receive care and those who provide it. Paul LeBlanc, former President of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and author of “Broken: How Our Social Systems are Failing Us and How We Can Fix Them,” argues that the solution lies not in more technology, but in a renewed focus on human connection. What the world needs now is love, or at least a more human-centered approach to care.
Scaling Humanity: The Challenge of Large Systems
LeBlanc points out that large-scale systems often prioritize efficiency and predictability over individual needs. This dehumanizing approach leads to poor outcomes, high costs, and burnout among caregivers. In higher education, for example, LeBlanc highlights the high dropout rates, crippling student debt, and systemic inequities that plague the current model.
The Human Touch: SNHU’s Success Story
SNHU’s success stems from its commitment to placing human connection at the core of its educational model. Each student is assigned a counselor who provides personalized support throughout their academic journey. This consistent, empathetic guidance fosters a sense of belonging and empowers students to overcome challenges. This demonstrates that even at scale, human connection can be prioritized. This is where what the world needs now is love truly resonates.
Replicating Success: More Examples of Human-Centered Care
Other organizations have adopted similar approaches. One Medical, for instance, supplements brief doctor visits with extensive consultations with health counselors who help patients translate medical recommendations into actionable lifestyle changes. This personalized support bridges the gap between knowing and doing, leading to improved health outcomes.
Rethinking Work: Flooding Systems with Care
LeBlanc advocates for a radical shift in resource allocation. He proposes “flooding” our systems with well-trained, compassionate caregivers—teachers, counselors, social workers, and clinicians. While this may not reduce overall spending, it would dramatically improve outcomes and create meaningful, fulfilling work for countless individuals. This aligns with the growing understanding that what the world needs now is love and connection, especially in the workplace.
The AI Revolution: An Opportunity for Transformation
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a unique opportunity to restructure our systems of care. Economist David Autor argues that AI can empower a broader range of workers to perform complex tasks, effectively democratizing expertise. This shift could revitalize the middle class and make human-centered care more affordable and accessible.
The Future of Expertise: A Shift Towards Relationships
As AI handles routine tasks, experts can focus on building relationships, fostering trust, and tackling truly complex problems. This shift has significant implications for fields like management consulting, where the value proposition will increasingly rely on human connection and strategic guidance rather than technical expertise. This reinforces the idea that what the world needs now is love, trust and genuine connection.
Conclusion: Embracing a Human-Centered Future
LeBlanc’s vision calls for a fundamental rethinking of our priorities. By placing human connection at the center of our systems, we can create a world where everyone has access to quality care, meaningful work, and a sense of belonging. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, it’s a timely reminder that what the world needs now is love, empathy, and the irreplaceable value of human connection. It’s time to rebuild our systems with humanity at their core.
