An Introduction to the Includer® CliftonStrengths Theme
Looking to learn more about Includer? Whether you want to know more about how to use your Includer theme to succeed, or how to help someone harness theirs, you've come to the right place.
You'll find definitions and descriptions made popular in the international bestseller StrengthsFinder 2.0, plus ideas for how to better understand and use this CliftonStrengths theme.
What Is the Definition of Includer?
Includer and the rest of the CliftonStrengths themes are comprised of natural talents that Gallup has identified through decades of research.
People exceptionally talented in the Includer theme accept others. They show awareness of those who feel left out and make an effort to include them.
People complete the CliftonStrengths assessment to learn which of the 34 themes, like Includer, are strongest in them.
The following theme description highlights the thoughts, feelings and behaviors you are likely to experience if you have strong Includer:
"Stretch the circle wider." This is the philosophy around which you orient your life. You want to include people and make them feel part of the group. In direct contrast to those who are drawn only to exclusive groups, you actively avoid those groups that exclude others.
You want to expand the group so that as many people as possible can benefit from its support. You hate the sight of someone on the outside looking in. You want to draw them in so that they can feel the warmth of the group. You are an instinctively accepting person. Regardless of race or sex or nationality or personality or faith, you cast few judgments. Judgments can hurt a person's feelings. Why do that if you don't have to?
Your accepting nature does not necessarily rest on a belief that each of us is different and that one should respect these differences. Rather, it rests on your conviction that fundamentally we are all the same. We are all equally important. Thus, no one should be ignored. Each of us should be included. It is the least we all deserve.
Includer is a theme in the Relationship Building domain of CliftonStrengths.
People with dominant Relationship Building themes like Includer build strong relationships that hold a team together and make it greater than the sum of its parts.
Each of the 34 CliftonStrengths sort to one of four domains -- Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building and Strategic Thinking. These domains help you understand how to use individual CliftonStrengths to succeed when you join, create or lead a team.
Learn more about the CliftonStrengths domainsHow to Better Understand Your Includer Theme
Making the most of your Includer talents starts with gaining valuable insights into what you naturally do best.
How people with strong Includer talents describe themselves:
- "I am aware of social exclusion and understand its repercussions."
- "I need room for everyone."
- "I love assimilation and integration."
- "I hate cliques."
- "I bring a high level of tolerance and acceptance of diversity."
How to Apply Your Includer to Succeed
The most successful people invest in their strongest talents. The only way to develop your Includer talents is to use them every day -- at work, at home and everywhere else.
The following are a few ideas for how to apply your Includer to achieve your goals:
Work With Includer: Help those who are new to an organization or group get to know other people. You will always be adept at quickly making people feel accepted and involved.
Lead With Includer: Consider roles in which you can take responsibility for representing voices that are not usually heard. You will derive a great deal of satisfaction from being a spokesperson for these people.
Live With Includer: Acknowledge the dissonance you feel when you must be the bearer of bad news. Look for partners who can help you justify your position so you don't apologize or soften the message too much.
Check out our in-depth videos from Gallup experts for more ways to use Includer to make the most of your potential.
Includer:
If You're a Manager With Includer
Your Includer talent makes you stronger. Lead with your strengths so both you and your team can succeed. A strengths-based approach to management will lead to:
- better conversations
- stronger partnerships
- higher team engagement
- greater collaboration
For manager-specific insights and strategies, check out your CliftonStrengths for Managers report and explore your top 10 themes and how you can use them to reach your goals.
Discovering the collective talents of your team using the CliftonStrengths assessment is just the first step.
To successfully manage or lead others, you must individualize your approach. You must understand what makes each of your team members unique. And you must lead meaningful conversations about performance that focus on what each person naturally does best.
An Example of Managing Team Members With Includer
Consider making them responsible for representing any voices on the team -- or in the organization -- that are not normally heard. They will get a great deal of satisfaction from being those employees' representative, and you will reap the rewards that come from having everyone involved and connected.
Use the CliftonStrengths Assessment to Discover More About Includer
How Strong Are Your Includer Talents?
Purchase CliftonStrengths 34 to reveal your complete unique talent profile and learn just how strong your Includer talents are. You'll get personalized insights into your CliftonStrengths results and ideas for maximizing your potential.
How to Work With Others With Strong Includer Talents
Gallup offers resources and products you can use to help others succeed by developing their Includer theme and all their CliftonStrengths.