How to Understand the StrengthsFinder Theme of Connectedness®

Linda Schubring Strengths Connectedness, The 34 6

Have you ever known people who believe that there is meaning in everything? Do you know people who are good at puzzles, word searches, or anything intellectually challenging that involves missing pieces or making connections? These people might have the StrengthsFinder Theme of Connectedness®.

Definition of Connectedness®

People with the StrengthsFinder Theme of Connectedness® believe that everything happens for a reason. They have the unique ability to ‘connect the dots’ between what is happening in the here and now with deep personal meaning. People with the Strength of Connectedness® have a unique way of seeing events, people, and the world. They are able to recognize instinctively that everything that happens is caused by something else. There is a “ripple” that connects people and events together. In this connection, people with Connectedness® find meaning, purpose, and deeper relationships.

People with the Strength of Connectedness® enjoy being in situations and places that challenge their ability to connect seemingly random things to find meaning, value, information, or explanation. People with Connectedness® see within the tangible and intangible alike something that connects them with various people, places, and experiences. At times, people with Connectedness® appear to be randomly connecting a variety of obscure thoughts… but give them time, because you may find they have an amazing ability to weave those thoughts together to create a beautiful pattern of meaning.

People with Connectedness® often feel a personal responsibility to the connections they make. In fact, they might find themselves becoming more and more connected to something over time, making change or disconnection very challenging.

People with Connectedness® believe that people are not isolated, for we all impact and influence each other. Because they believe this to their core, they may be very mindful and protective of actions that bring harm to others, no matter how distant.

How Connectedness® is Generative

The generative nature of Connectedness® comes when they express themselves to others. Most people do not have this innate ability to see meaning and understanding. But the person with Connectedness® can build a bridge of understanding and weave connections of meaning that others can understand. People with Connectedness® see events, interpersonal interactions, and emotional elements all coming together to create a beautiful picture that would never be formed alone. They are often weavers of compelling and dynamic stories.

Examples of the Theme of Connectedness®

No matter what is reported in the news or what triumph or tragedy is announced, people with Connectedness® often use the phrase,

“Everything happens for a reason.”

We knew a gentleman with Connectedness® who could not get rid of anything. He kept receipts, movie tickets, boarding passes, etc. because meaning and memories were attached to each of those pieces of paper.

Often accessories can be a sign of Connectedness®. Ask the man about his watch and hear him describe his trip to Europe. Ask the woman about her necklace and she might describe who gave it to her, when, and why it is so meaningful to her.