Full disclosure: Connectedness is in my top 5 and it is a lot of fun. It also makes it almost impossible for me to focus on something because one thing connects to so many other things. For those of us with Connectedness in our top 5 CliftonStrengths® it is easy to build bridges between diverse concepts and cultures. Staying “present” in a conversation is like trying to nail Jell-O® to the wall. For us, life is an ongoing experience with “Word Association.” Read on to learn more about this fascinating talent and how it shows up in people with high ranked Connectedness…
People with Connectedness in their top 5 CliftonStrengths typically have a keen grasp that all things are inextricably linked. Matters of “faith” and concepts such as community, the value of all life, synergy, and deeper meaning are innate and intuitive. This can bring comfort to themselves and others. Everything happens for a reason and the reason is usually a good reason. There are no coincidences and nothing is wasted.
Similar to people with a high-ranking Belief® talent, their spiritual life is also important to them. Unlike the Belief talent, Connectedness is less about motivation to “do the right thing” and more about one’s understanding of the world. Belief energizes people. Connectedness brings understanding that may or may not prove to be motivating though it is comforting. Ironically, and somewhat amusingly, Belief and Connectedness can be a source of tension between people with those talents.
Here are other common Connectedness traits:
- Values unity and team
- Considerate, Caring, and Accepting
- Open-Minded
- Philosophical
- Generous and helpful to others
- Are fascinated with life’s biggest mysteries (like Oak Island)
- You build bridges between cultures, people, and concepts
- They can be sentimental collectors who forge deepconnections to people and things. Those connections can make a change or “disconnection” very challenging. Raise your hand if you have a broken toy from your childhood!
If Connectedness is one of your top talents, consider how you might strengthen that talent. How does it work for you and against you? What skill and knowledge can you add to Connectedness? You might look for opportunities to help and serve other people. Take time to reflect on and journal about the connections you see and experience. Study various religious and faith practices. Help friends and coworkers understand how important they are to the family, overall project, team, and organization. Offer a listening ear and comfort to people you meet, after all, you are probably pretty good at it, it’s fun, and people need to be seen and heard.
I am fond of saying that we are all part of a rich tapestry of life. The threads of our lives may connect briefly or time and again. In the moment, up close, it may seem inconsequential, but when we step back and look at the larger scope of time and relationships we see an amazing mural of mutuality. Feel free to leave a comment about your experience with your Connectedness talent.
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