People strong in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links between all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason.

 

You can tell a person strong in CONNECTEDNESS by these attributes (source: Dr. Hulme, APU):

• See that all things happen for a reason
• Believe that all things are connected to each other
• Respectful, considerate, accepting, caring for others because of this connection
• Bridge builder
• Strong sense of purpose in life

More about Connectedness:

• Needs on a team: To Connect
• As a Leader: Provide hope and faith
• In Conflict: Supply rationale
  
• Partner with: Focus, Strategic, Belief
• In academics: 

  – loves to see the connections between courses – interdisciplinary courses will appeal, as will courses where connections are made with other courses in the curriculum – show them the connections between the Core or Gen Ed curriculum — tends to enjoy humanities, history, philosophy, theology, psychology, and other courses where the “why” questions are asked

Where does Connectedness Theme rank in the population?

• Overall, Connectedness ranks 22rd, occurring in around 11% of the population’s Top Five (13% of Females and 10% of Males)

16	22	24	27

Out of your Top 5 CliftonStrengths, it’s statistically:

• most likely to appear with Empathy, Input and learner 
• least likely to be found with Significance and Focus
  

The genius of your Connectedness talent provides you with a very unique way of seeing events, people, and the world. To you there are no accidents. Your way of seeing events is to recognize that everything that happens is caused by something or someone.Likewise, what is happening right now will have a “ripple” effect into the future.Similarly, you see people in terms of the accumulative events and interaction that formed them and moved them to this moment. Accordingly, this moment and the attitudes that people take to their circumstances will form their future. Extending this way of seeing to the world in general, you see the past, present, and future as connected and you see that there is a “master plan” or “Master’s plan” at work at all times. Your genius talent of Connectedness provides a way of “making sense of the nonsense” around us and generating meaning and purpose for yourself. When you share what you can see with the genius of your Connectedness talent, you help others gain hope as you help them see the past and “connect the dots” of their past in a more meaningful way. In like manner, you help people see possibilities for the future by making choices now that build a positive future.

At your best (Balcony):

• spiritual, “doesn’t sweat the small stuff,” strong faith, always looking at the big picture, helps others see purpose

At your worst (Basement):

• passive, naïve, too idealistic, wishy-washy

Connectedness may be one of your signature themes if…

• You adamantly believe “everything happens for a reason.”
• You have a deep-seated belief that all souls are connected in some way.
• You believe in free will and taking responsibility for action, but sense a larger spirit.
• You are inspired by the belief we are not alone in the world.
• You understand the responsibility to the earth and future generations of humankind.
• You believe in karma and do not look to harm or exploit others.
• You are a considerate, caring, sensitive, and accepting “bridge builder.”
• You and your closest friends are fascinated by life’s biggest mysteries.
  • Source: Let’s Talk Personality

A more detailed explanation from Gallup:

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.

Action Items for This Theme

• Consider roles that ask you to listen and to counsel. You can become adept at helping other people see connection and purpose in everyday occurrences.
• Schedule time for meditation or contemplation. Reflect upon: how your religious beliefs affirm your sense of connection to others; how your sense of connection gives you stability through your faith in people, the role of coincidences in your life.
• Make a list of the experiences that support your sense of connection.
• Explore specific ways to expand your sense of connection, such as starting a book club, attending a retreat, or joining an organization that puts Connectedness into practice.
• Within your organization, help your colleagues understand how their efforts fit in the larger picture. You can be a leader in building teams and helping people feel important.
  Help those around you cope with unpredictable and unexplainable events. In particular, you can help people find meaning in even sickness and death. Your perspective will bring comfort.

Be ready to:

• Partner with someone with a strong Communication theme. This person can help you with 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 argument will not persuade them.
  • The Clifton StrengthsFinder and the 34 Clifton StrengthsFinder theme names are protected by copyright of Gallup Inc., 2000. All rights reserved.

For the more visually inclined:

• Highly recommended: Utilize the Called to Coach worksheet for Connectedness as you listen.

• Episode 1: Exploring the Interconnectedness of Humanity – “On Being with Krista Tippett”
• Episode 2: Spiritual Insights and Universal Connections – “The RobCast”
• Episode 3: Understanding the Fabric of Existence – “The Duncan Trussell Family Hour”
• Episode 4: Cultivating Meaningful Relationships and Communities – “The Good Life Project”
• Episode 5: Finding Purpose and Belonging in a Fragmented World – “The Rich Roll Podcast”
• Episode 6: The Connected Woman: Building Meaningful Relationships – “Lead Like Her” (Host: Angela Brooks)
• Episode 7: Women Leaders Who Foster Connection and Belonging – “The Confident Woman Podcast” (Host: Sherry Parks)
• Episode 8: The Power of Connection in Women’s Leadership – “Women Who Lead” (Host: Andrena Sawyer)

Listen to great Strengths Podcasts