Everything happens for a reason: the CliftonStrength of connectedness
I have a client who believes that everything happens for a reason. I love her energy and her spirit, which conveys, “I don’t have all the answers, but that’s okay. Things are working out the way they’re meant to.”
When we first met, Natalie worked for a software firm in Silicon Valley that wasn’t a great fit for her. Her excited announcement that she was engaged didn’t go over well when the partners found out the wedding would take place during their busy season. They essentially told her that it was very inconvenient timing and didn’t even want her to take time off!
In her current role, Natalie works for a firm that values her. The partners were thrilled for her when she announced her pregnancy and encouraged her to use her family leave time. Despite the difference in the attitudes of her two employers, Natalie remains positive about both experiences. Instead of being resentful towards her first employer, she trusts that enduring that early work experience helped her grow.
She maintains this positivity and belief in connection in all things, not just her job: how she met her husband, how she got her new job, how she meets her friends, everything. “It’s all going to happen when it’s supposed to happen,” she likes to say.
Natalie has the CliftonStrength of Connectedness. People with that strength tend to have faith in the connection between all things. They believe that there are few coincidences and that just about every event has meaning.
What Does That Look Like In Practice?
PEOPLE WITH THE CLIFTONSTRENGTH OF CONNECTEDNESS:
are very aware of the borderless and timeless human family,
appreciate the mystery and wonder of life and all creation,
feel the need to be a part of something bigger than themselves: a family, a team, an organization, a global community, a cosmos, and,
love circles of life and threads of continuity.
Possible Pros And Cons At Work
The wonderful thing about employees with the CliftonStrength of connectedness is they bring positivity to all events. In addition, because Connectedness is a relationship-building strength, these employees can also help your group form deeper connections. They also prefer harmony in a work setting and are averse to an “us vs. them” mentality.
One potential drawback is that co-workers might feel that these employees are flaky, esoteric, or not in touch with reality. Employees with a very practical mindset, like those with the CliftonStrength of Analytical, can be easily frustrated by what they consider esoteric ideas.
Management Strategies
The most important thing you can do as the manager of an employee with the Connectedness Clifton Strength is to put them in a role where they can serve as a bridge builder.
People with Connectedness as a CliftonStrength want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and understand how their role can contribute to the great good of the organization. While they tend to excel at service-oriented jobs, like ministry, teaching, medicine, and counseling, they can also be an asset to businesses.
In a small business or corporate setting, these employees are adept at helping colleagues understand how their roles add value to a particular project, team, and the overall company. Because of that trait, people with Connectedness as a CliftonStrength make fantastic spokespeople for your company, both internally and externally, when they feel that their work contributes to your overall mission.
Management Strategies
Our workshops provide employees with the tools they need to understand and capitalize on their natural talents and strengths. Schedule a free informational meeting today to find out how Millennial Guru can help you make the most of the strengths of the employees on your staff to benefit your bottom line.