Connectedness: Understanding the Purpose

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

Clifton StrengthsFinder

I like to think of the theme of Connectedness as those being able to see the tiny threads that tie each of us together. People with high Connectedness build bridges, champion for meaning, and can always see the greater impact of their actions. Those with Connectedness often walk through life very intentionally and purposefully; knowing full well how a simple conversation, email, or pit stop may impact another person.

When Gallup first began the Strengths revolution, this cluster of talents was named Spirituality; however, the more that Gallup understood this talent theme, they found that Connectedness was about more than Spirituality. Like all of the themes, Connectedness is shaped by the core values an individual has. For some, this may in fact be centered around a faith or religious background, for others, their Connectedness might be catalyzed around an organizational mission, yet for others, Connectedness might be a knack for seeing how people are all linked through social webs. Regardless of how an individual’s Connectedness might manifest based on their values, those high in this theme always have an ability to answer the question “why?”

If you or your mentee are one of the 17% of mentors and 4.3% of mentees with Connectedness in their Top 5 themes, don’t be afraid to ask the question “why?” If they are struggling with a problem in their life, such as a friendship, bring them back to the underlying value for beginning this journey in the first place. Ask them to tell you 5 good things about their friend or 2 things their friend has taught them; point them to the good, even in a not-so-good situation. Those with Connectedness see the greater impact of their actions; consider challenging each other to do a random acts of kindness list, like this one and then report back each week on how it went! Whatever your beliefs, background, or circumstances, by being courageous to point your mentee to the greater purpose of their actions, you will be further developing and honoring their theme of Connectedness.

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