Connectedness: Learning to Love All 34 Talent Themes

On a recent Theme Thursday Season 1 live webcast, we discussed the Connectedness theme with Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach Mary Sue Ingraham.

Things happen for a reason. Those with strong Connectedness talents are sure of it. They have a powerful conviction that everyone is connected. While each person is responsible for his or her own judgments and actions, those with strong Connectedness believe everyone is part of something larger.

Gallup Senior Learning and Development Consultant Curt Liesveld summarizes Connectedness as, "a global spiritual perspective that produces an integrated holistic practice." As part of the Relationship Building domain, the Connectedness theme has a lot to do with relationships with others. But Curt says it can often extend beyond that and into other realms of someone's life.

Those with high Connectedness talents typically have strong faith -- religious or otherwise -- and often view things in the context of how they fit into the bigger picture. A clear contrast of the Analytical theme, Connectedness allows individuals to accept that some things are beyond understanding, but they happen for a reason anyway.

Our guest, Mary Sue, uses her Connectedness theme the most when working with leaders. She says it helps her create a link from the mission and purpose of an organization to its employees. This gives leaders a better understanding of how to lean on the talents of their employees to set a clear path toward achieving company goals.

To learn more about Connectedness and how people like Mary Sue use it in their everyday lives, watch the full video or listen to the audio above.

Mary Sue Ingraham's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are Input, Connectedness, Ideation, Learner and Intellection.