Highlight on Connectedness – Strengths 101

Highlight on Connectedness – Strengths 101

What does it mean to have Connectedness as a strength?

In the face of uncertainly or ambiguity, you’ve probably heard someone respond with, “Everything happens for a reason”. This mantra provides comfort for some but frustration for others. Specifically, those with the Connectedness theme resort to attributing unexplainable situations to fate or to the ambiguity of the uncontrollable powers of the world. According to Gallup, “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.”

The idea that Connectedness believes there are “links among all things” or “few coincidences” and “everything has meaning” shows up in different contexts depending on other variables. Connectedness can be realized through the lens of religion, philosophy, and spirituality, to name a few. Regardless of the lens you see your Connectedness through, you possess the understanding that Connectedness lays the foundation for a bigger picture or purpose.

Connectedness Mindset and Antics

With Connectedness as my #3, I see it come up in all areas of my life; not only to use as an explanation for a cause or effect – but as a reason to act or feel a certain way in the present. For example, I believe that all humans have some mutual grounds of feelings or experiences, and we can all help each other in one way or another. I act on that by networking with colleagues to learn other perspectives and build relationships. In doing this, I know that there is a great possibility for future collaboration or building value together.

Executing Connectedness

Connectedness resides in the relationship-building domain. Relationship-building talents bring teams together because they see past people as individuals and see them as contributors to a greater team. Connectedness brings “unity through mystery” when teams might not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is especially helpful during times of crisis or when two people cannot see understand the other’s way of thinking.

Gallup also describes Connectedness in mentioning, “If we are all part of a larger picture, then we must not harm others because we will be harming ourselves.” This powerful statement opens up the understanding of how important it is for people with this theme to foster strong and meaningful relationships with those they encounter. Everyone has influence over one another, and we are all important and needed.

Another classification of Connectedness is in the “values” package. Talents that live in this package include Connectedness, Belief, and Responsibility. Connectedness values humanity; belief values a cause; responsibility values commitments. I, personally, have all 3 in my top 5. I can clearly see the influence each has on the other and the impact they have on my behavior, thoughts, and personality as a whole.

A second package that Connectedness finds membership in is the time package. This package consists of context, which is about the past; adaptability, which is about the present; futuristic, which is about the future; and connectedness, which is all-encompassing and is beyond time. Connectedness is timeless, making links between all things, space, and dimensions. Understand the way that Connectedness is lived out in your life. This will give greater insight as to how it’s applied to your actions and behaviors and can be leveraged at work.

Harnessing Connectedness

Connectedness sometimes appears with the Empathy, since both are aimed at connecting the dots for people and making connections to build comfort. On the contrary, the opposite can happen. My Connectedness report brings to light the fact that I might lack being empathic because of simply resorting to the “everything happens for a reason” mantra. Others might find this approach offensive and standoff-ish when they are trying to vent or move through the stages of grief. Understand the “type” of Connectedness you bring in order to draw awareness around how your Connectedness shows up when interacting with others.

In the workplace, someone with Connectedness on your team can be a great bridge-building and gap-filling person to have. Allow them to get to know everyone around the office and across departments. Their presence and aura will dispel any conflict or bad blood across teams or individuals. If you are looking to collaborate on a project with a new team, encourage the person with Connectedness to take the lead on making the introduction and initiating the relationship. They will make everyone feel at ease and understand the greater reason for bringing the groups together.

As a manager of someone with Connectedness, you may want to pair them with someone who has a theme like Communication. This person will support them to put their thoughts into clear ideas to be put into action. You must also be aware of situations where those with Connectedness might feel drained. When paired with people who are competitive or the mood feels like everyone is against each other, Connectedness cannot thrive. They will also feel defeated when working with colleagues who are close-minded and do not want to explore new ways to do things. When harnessed in an intentional way, Connectedness can be a very powerful theme to uplift your team and give them greater, deeper meaning into their daily work.

If you have Connectedness, you can learn even more about how to hone in on the Connectedness strength.

Churchill is certified and highly experienced at delivering the Gallup programs including Building a Strengths-Based-Organization. Learn more about our Strengths-Based Organization program here.

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