People with strong Connectedness talents are at their best when they are helping others see the effects of their actions.

Connectedness®

A theme in the Relationship Building domain of CliftonStrengths

People exceptionally talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links among all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning.

 

Full Theme Description

Things happen for a reason. You are sure of it. You are sure of it because in your soul you know that we are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments and in possession of our own free will, but nonetheless we are part of something larger.

Some may call it the collective unconscious. Others may label it spirit or life force. But whatever your word of choice, you gain confidence from knowing that we are not isolated from one another or from the earth and the life on it. This feeling of Connectedness implies certain responsibilities.

If we are all part of a larger picture, then we must not harm others because we will be harming ourselves. We must not exploit because we will be exploiting ourselves. Your awareness of these responsibilities creates your value system. You are considerate, caring, and accepting.

Certain of the unity of humankind, you are a bridge builder for people of different cultures. Sensitive to the invisible hand, you can give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond our humdrum lives. The exact articles of your faith will depend on your upbringing and your culture, but your faith is strong. It sustains you and your close friends in the face of life's mysteries.

 

This Theme’s Power and Edge

People strong in the Connectedness theme build bridges between people and groups, showing them how to relate to and rely on each other. They help others find meaning in the unpredictability of the world around them, providing a sense of comfort and stability in the face of uncertainty. Putting it simply, their ability to “connect the dots” from the past, present and future can give others perspective, guidance and hope.

 

How People with Strong Connectedness Talents Describe Themselves

  • "I am incredibly aware of the borderless and timeless human family."

  • "I need to be a part of something bigger than myself: a family, a team, an organization, a global community, a cosmos."

  • "I love circles of life and threads of continuity."

  • "I hate an 'us vs. them' mentality."

  • "I bring an appreciation of the mystery and wonder of life and all creation"

 

Theme Contrast

Connectedness Accepts mystery.
Analytical Proves truth.
Connectedness Aware of the inherent, invisible unity that already exists.
Includer Aware of the invisible social exclusion that often exists.
 

Connectedness Helps and Hinders

Helps

  • You see the big picture. When people get caught up in day-to-day challenges that can zap their energy, you can help them step back and see things from a long-term perspective.

  • Because you find links between everything and everyone, you can build bridges and promote understanding and acceptance.

  • As a team leader or manager, your Connectedness talents can help forge partnerships and promote collaboration between teams or departments.

  • We are all part of something bigger than ourselves. This foundational belief can give meaning and purpose to those who are questioning their contribution.

Hinders

  • You may react more calmly and passively to others’ bad news, frustrations or concerns than they would like. Be aware of and acknowledge others' feelings in such circumstances. Sometimes, people need to vent and will want you to validate their feelings more than they want a philosophical response.

  • Those with strong Connectedness talents often take an "it was meant to be" attitude toward life that others can view as passive or naïve. Remember that not everyone shares your connected view of humanity or believes that every negative event ultimately affects everyone.

  • Sometimes those with Connectedness can come across as self-righteous, contending that their worldview — both seen and unseen — is the only way to view reality.

  • Connectedness' common "everything happens for a reason" perspective can be seen as minimising unjust situations or lead to inertia when action is called for.

 

If Connectedness is a Dominant Theme for You, Take Action to Maximise Your Potential

  • Consider taking on roles that need you to listen and counsel. You can become adept at helping other people see connections and purpose in everyday occurrences.

  • Share specific examples that can help your friends and colleagues see how their actions affect others.

  • Quietly contemplate away from the action for a few minutes every day. Doing this will help you see patterns and identify adjustments that can increase your effectiveness.

  • Explore specific ways to expand your sense of connection, such as starting a book club, attending a retreat or joining an organisation that helps you use your Connectedness talents.

  • Help your colleagues at work understand how their efforts fit into the larger picture. You can be a leader in building teams and helping people feel important.

  • Support those around you in coping with unpredictable and unexplainable events. Your perspective will bring comfort.

  • Partner with someone with strong Communication talents to help you find the words you need to describe vivid examples of connection in the real world.

  • Don’t spend too much time attempting to persuade others to see the world as a linked web. Be aware that your sense of connection is intuitive. If others don’t share your intuition, rational arguments will not persuade them.

 

Potential Blind Spots to Watch Out for

  • You may react more calmly and passively to others’ bad news, frustrations or concerns than they would like. Be aware that people sometimes need to vent and will want you to validate their feelings more than they want a philosophical response.

  • Some may perceive you as naïve or idealistic because turmoil and upheaval likely trouble you. Remember that not everyone shares your connected view of humanity or believes that every negative event ultimately affects everyone.

 

If Connectedness Is a Lesser Theme for You

If you don’t have strong Connectedness talents, it doesn’t mean you lack clarity or perspective. It likely indicates that a more objective and practical outlook guides you.

  • Find those among your top themes that provide you with guidance and perspective. Belief or Responsibility talents can provide motivation and direction to do what is right. Discipline talents can help you maintain a routine or a consistent approach to work that others can rely on.

  • It might be less natural for you to take a step back, consider consequences or look at things as a system.

  • Consider creating checkpoints throughout the day or during a project to seek feedback — especially from stakeholders but also from outside parties — to gain a broader perspective.

  • Gravitate toward specific roles and tasks.

  • Ask people who have different opinions or beliefs questions about these views. Take time to get to know them while learning to understand their perspective.

 
 

Source: Gallup®

 
 

“When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.”

— Vietnamese saying