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 Relator® Strength
If you have the Relator® strength according to the CliftonStrengths® assessment, then you’re far more interested in developing deep meaningful relationships than making a sale or earning a commission. You find joy in doing things that strengthen your relationships with others. While you are no wallflower, you tend to be drawn to people you already know in hopes of deepening these bonds rather than seeking out new ones.
That doesn’t mean you’re opposed to forging new friendships. In fact, you may always be on the lookout for a new bestie to bring into your core group of friends and relationships. But there must be a connection in order to share the kind of intimacy you prefer with your core group of friends.
It’s not just about what you get from your friends either. You understand how they feel, what their goals are, and even their hopes and dreams for the future. You want them to understand yours as well. And the only relationships worth having, as far as you are concerned, are genuine relationships.
Action Items for the Relator® Strength
Because you are driven to develop strong bonds and deep relationships with the people around you day after day, there are some workplaces that are better suited for your needs than others. Look for the following as you choose the place where you will work and forge new relationships in time:
Work for companies that encourage friendships between employees. An overly formal setting will leave you feeling stifled and unsatisfied.
Learn about the people you work with. Ask questions. Volunteer information about yourself. Get to know them.
Focus on the character of people you work with rather than job titles and let it be known where your priorities lie.
Stay in contact with friends and family outside of work no matter how busy life becomes. They are the real fuel for your fire.
Be honest with your friends and forgive them when they need you to. Real friends are treasures. Hang on to them.
Ideal careers for people with the Relator® strength include: coaching, teaching, managing, supervising, caregiving.
These careers allow you to develop deep bonds with coworkers, clients, etc. and offer you the opportunity to meet new people to bring into your close circle of friends and family as you choose to do so.
How to Manage Someone with the Relator® Strength
One of the important things to remember when working with someone who has the Relator® strength is to be genuine. It is something they value and expect from others. Also, let them know where they stand with you. It’s important to them. Other tips to consider for managing someone with this particular talent include:
Acknowledge and recognize the generosity that people with the Relator® strength display. Drawing their attention to their own generosity and how important it is for building stronger connections helps them refine their impact on people and strengthens their relationships with you.
Help them understand their colleagues’ goals. They can often bond much better when the goals are known and work together to help accomplish them.
Try to keep them in roles where there is little turnover. They prefer to build long-term relationships and function better when they’re able to do this.
Invite them to build strong relationships with people in your organization you’re hoping to engage and keep around. Strong connections and human ties improve happiness and loyalty to your organization.
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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.
