Gallup CliftonStrengths® is an assessment of personality, rooted in the theory of positive psychology. Research indicates that people who know and use their strengths every day are more likely to experience positive emotions (energy, happiness, respect) and less likely to experience negative emotions (stress, worry, anger, sadness). The assessment identifies an individual’s top five “Signature Themes” from a list of 34 common talents. Individuals can then develop those talents into strengths, and apply those strengths in all areas of their life.
Overview of the Includer® Strength
As its name implies, someone who has the Includer® strength wants to include everyone in the group. Life is one big happy family, and everyone is invited. These individuals tend to avoid groups that are exclusive in membership favoring groups anyone can join instead.
People who show strong talents as an Includer® through CliftonStrengths® feel sad when they see someone on the outside of a group looking in. If you have this strength, you’re not only an accepting person who wants to include everyone in your group, you also work very hard to pass few judgments because you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Rather than believing we’re all different and that we should respect and celebrate those differences, Includers® believe, on a fundamental level, that we are all the same and none of us should be ignored.
Action Items for the Includer® Strength
To be happy and fulfilled on the job and in life, people who have the Includer® strength need to choose careers that involve constant interaction with others. You enjoy the challenge of making other people feel important and find fulfillment in it. Keep these things in mind to help you play to your unique Includer® strength:
Become the official greeter for your organization. It allows you to welcome new people to the team and helps you get to know new people and diverse viewpoints in the process.
Consider working with groups that are traditionally considered outsiders, like people who are physically or mentally challenged.
Help new members and employees get to know others on the team. Help them make connections and teach them all about the many things they have in common.
Develop your ability to look for the best in others and then help your coworkers see what you see.
Encourage diversity and acceptance of diversity in your groups and in your workplace.
Ideal careers for people with the Includer® strength include: social workers, managers, community organizers, camp directors, foreign service positions.
The key for the person with the Includer® strength is to find roles that allow them to put their unique gifts to good use to help others feel included and valued, as well as giving people who are quieter or often ignored a larger voice.
How to Manage Someone with the Includer® Strength
Many managers also happen to have the Includer® strength. This can be useful by helping them determine ways for employees who have this strength to feel valued within their organization. Some of the things you can do as an Includer® manager are:
Asking to make sure everyone is included and heard during group functions.
Position employees to work on products and/or projects designed for widescale use rather than those that address specific needs shared only by smaller segments of the population.
Considering having others look for ways to break barriers between customers and the company thanks to their unique perspectives.
Inviting employees to create a task force encouraging minorities and under-represented groups to work for your company.
Tasking others to welcome new employees to your organization and making them find their way in the company.
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Gallup®, Clifton StrengthsFinder®, StrengthsFinder®, CliftonStrengths® and each of the 34 CliftonStrengths® theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. For more information, or to take the CliftonStrengths® assessment, visit www.gallupstrengthscenter.com.
