Gallup StrengthsFinder: Managing the Connectedness Strength

Some people believe that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves and, as a result, also believe that if we harm others we harm ourselves. These are people with a spirituality that values the interconnectedness between all creatures. In Gallup StrengthsFinder™ terminology, people with this viewpoint have the Connectedness® talent.

StrengthsFinder™ is an online assessment, based on 50 years of research. Knowing your natural talents and learning how to develop them into Strengths has been proven to lead people to success and fulfillment. Are you curious to know your top talents? Take the online StrengthsFinder assessment and you will find out! You can then search for a Gallup certified Strengths consultant to show you how to apply your talents.

“When you see, not only intellectually but with your heart too, how we are all connected, how can you harm another? It's the same as harming oneself.” ― Narissa Doumani, A Spacious Life: Memoir of a Meditator

People with the Connectedness theme in their Top 5 StrengthsFinder results may show this tendency in different ways. They could be environmentalists, humanitarians, social advocates, philosophers, or those who are spiritual. Connectedness has to do with connecting with people, but those with the Connectedness theme are also thinkers. They often have specific social issues to which they are strongly committed or spiritual beliefs that guide them daily. Although the Connectedness theme can show up slightly differently in people, one thing that is always common with people with this talent is that they know how to connect with people and they find a way to see how they are connected to each individual and in turn to the world. People with the Connectedness theme have an aerial view of the world.

If you are managing a person with the Connectedness® theme in his or her Top 5, consider the following recommendations:

• People with the Connectedness theme in their Top 5 will most likely have strong feelings around specific social issues. Listen to what is important to these people. If you can accept their issue, you will build a deeper relationship.
• For some people with the Connectedness talent, faith or spirituality plays an important part in their life. Strive to learn more about their spiritual position so that they can feel comfortable discussing it around you.
• People who are high in the Connectedness theme are excellent team builders. Look out for opportunities for these people to build bridges within and between teams and groups at your company.
• If you need somebody to develop your organization’s mission, include the person with a high Connectedness talent. People with this talent can see the larger picture and will be most helpful in this regard.
• Encourage people with the Connectedness talent to connect with other people with Connectedness since they will easily understand each other. If you also are high in Connectedness, share your own slant on Connectedness. Share articles, writings, and experiences that you both can understand.

Susan Surtel is the President of Strengths Canada and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Learning Consultant based in Toronto, Canada. She has over 20 years’ experience as a training curriculum designer, developer, and facilitator. She works with individuals and teams to help them discover and develop their Strengths to increase productivity, profitability, and retention. Susan’s Top Signature themes are Input, Maximizer, Achiever, Connectedness, and Learner.