People exceptionally talented in the Includer CliftonStrengths® theme accept others. They show awareness of those who feel left out and make an effort to include them.
“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.
This is a Relationship Building Talent Theme
Those with dominant themes in the Relationship Building Domain can provide the essential glue to hold a team together. Without these strengths on a team, in many cases, the group is simply a composite of individuals. In contrast, team members with exceptional Relationship Building strength have the unique ability to help the group become much greater than the sum of its parts.
Includer (Short Version)
Theme Thursday
Action Items for This Theme
- Choose roles in which you are continuously working and interacting with people. You will enjoy the challenge of making everyone feel important.
- Consider roles in which you are responsible for representing voices that are not normally heard. You will derive a great deal of satisfaction from being their representative.
- Look for opportunities to bring together people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. You can be a leader in this area.
- Help those who are new to an organization get to know other people. You will always be adept at quickly making people feel accepted and involved.
- You naturally look for the best in people. Help your colleagues see what you see.
Be ready to:
- Partner with someone with a strong Activator or Command theme. This person can help you deliver news that might hurt someone’s feelings.
- Explain what we all have in common. Help others understand that to respect the differences among us (our diversity) you must begin by appreciating what we all share (our similarity).
