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 Harmony® Strength
People who have the Harmony® strength according to Gallup CliftonStrengths® believe there is little to gain from conflict. They seek to avoid it whenever possible, preferring harmonious exchanges instead.
Individuals with the Harmony® talent or strength are often dismayed by the amount of time people waste trying to impose views, thoughts, and ideas on others. They believe it is a far more productive use of their time and talents to look for middle ground or consensus.
Someone with a dominant Harmony® strength goes out of their way to keep the peace, even if it means modifying their own goals and objectives to achieve a resolution – as long as it does not go against their own sense of morality to do so.
They believe we’re all on a journey together in one great big boat and there’s no need to rock that boat for the simple sake of rocking the boat. They can be offended by gossiping about coworkers and tearing others down ― especially when they are not around to defend themselves.
Action Items for the Harmony® Theme
People who are Harmonious® by nature and by strength are often viewed as peacemakers within the group. That doesn’t mean they are passive or have no opinion, only that they seek to find a middle ground and avoid offending others if possible.
A person with the Harmony® strength might consider the following actions to maintain personal calm in a world that may be anything but:
Look for practical solutions are discussion points as they often become starting points for agreement.
Listen to all sides of the issue and the valid points each side if making. Learn from these. The willingness to hear all sides and perspectives helps in this.
If two parties are disagreeing, invite others to share their opinions, increasing the number of voices in the conversation and giving all parties opportunities to find agreement.
Avoid jobs and/or roles that force you into frequent, if not daily, confrontations. For instance, a trial attorney is probably not your best career choice. A mediator, on the other hand, might be.
Look for ways to draw people together by diminishing the things that force them apart.
Ideal careers for people with the Harmony® strength include: diplomats, mediators, ambassadors, counselors, arbitrators.
The Harmonious® person’s strengths lie in their tact. It behooves them to put it to good work in careers that will offer fulfillment without forcing them into unwanted conflicts daily.
How to Manage Someone with the Harmony® Theme
Managing someone with the Harmony® strength often involves finding ways to utilize their gifts and talents without allowing them to become caught up in conflict within the organization. These tips for employees with a dominant Harmony® strength will help:
Help your Harmonious® staff members steer clear of meetings and other conflicts that do not play up to their strengths or force them to confront others.
Surround them with like-minded (harmonious) employees to keep them all focused and productive.
Be mindful that staff with the Harmony® strength may not disagree with you, even if you’re wrong. Make sure other trustworthy staff members are available for that important task.
Keep conversations focused on practical matter and not subjects up for debate. Debate and conflict make people with the Harmony® strength uncomfortable. They much prefer working on real problems with real solutions than “healthy debate.”
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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.
