Connectedness is a talent belonging to the relationship-building leadership style. People who have it in their top 10 strengths find it easy to make connections. They have faith in the links between things. They naturally accept that some things are simply meant to be and feel comfortable with mystery. They are aware of an inherent, invisible unity that exists, whether it’s between people, nature, or the universe. They appreciate the wonder of life and creation, accepting continuity and the circle of life.
A person with high connectedness believes in few coincidences, instead thinking that almost everything happens for a reason. They recognize all facets of the whole person: body, heart, mind, and spirit. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, such as a family, a team, an organization, or a global community and create bonds through shared beliefs.
Some may view people with high Connectedness as flaky, new-agers who are naive, idealistic, and not in touch with reality. Individuals high in the Analytical strength may challenge them to prove the mysteries they believe in. The connectedness strength could be called faith – not necessarily religious faith, but a faith in the links between people, information, and systems.
If you have high connectedness you bring a natural ability to build bridges between people and groups. You will most likely steer clear of an ‘us vs. them’ mentality. You help others find meaning by looking at the bigger picture and provide a sense of comfort and stability in the face of uncertainty.
Given that ability, a blind spot to this strength may be that, for some people, you react too calmly and passively to bad news and frustrations. Others may find that quality difficult to deal with and may need a chance to vent and express their feelings before receiving a somewhat philosophical response.
Keep in mind that those with connectedness may be more deeply troubled by feelings of disconnection. If that happens to you, ask yourself what will restore your sense of connection. When, where, and with whom can you regain it for yourself?
