A Deep Dive Into The Relationship Building Domain of CliftonStrengths
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work: The Relationship Building Domain of CliftonStrengths
The CliftonStrengths personality assessment is a powerful tool designed to help individuals recognize and harness their innate talents and learned skills/experiences. The assessment categorizes these strengths into four domains: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, and Strategic Thinking. Learn more about each domain here!
Today, we'll explore the Relationship Building domain, uncovering the strengths that forge stronger and more meaningful connections between people. As we go through this deep dive, we’ll pull out specific leadership strategies and software to help build better bonds.
“Like peanut butter and jelly, we’re better together 🤝”
The Relationship Building domain is centered around creating strong, cohesive teams and those who excel in this domain are the glue that holds teams and communities together. The specific strengths in this domain are:
Adaptability
Connectedness
Developer
Empathy
Harmony
Includer
Individualization
Positivity
Relator
We’ll explore each of these strengths, understand how they contribute to building robust relationships, and detail strategies to harness these qualities effectively.
1. Adaptability, Flexing Flexible Approaches
Individuals with Adaptability strength thrive in change and are adept at adjusting to new conditions. They bring a sense of calm and resilience to their teams, especially in times of uncertainty.
Leadership Technique: Utilize your flexible nature to help your team navigate change by developing contingency plans, enabling others to shift gears when necessary.
Bonus Technique: Lean into your “Make It Work” mindset to set a culture that values flexibility and quick response to change.
Suggested Software: Asana is great for managing projects that require frequent adjustments.
2. Connectedness, Embracing Kismet
Those with the Connectedness strength believe in the bigger picture and how everything is interconnected. They are adept at building bridges between people and ideas.
Leadership Technique: Use your sense of unity to foster a collaborative environment where success is shared. Encourage your team to celebrate others when they contribute to shared goals.
Bonus Technique: You will find teambuilding activities that highlight commonalities to be easy for you: find opportunities to add these moments into regular meetings and role model different approaches to praise.
Suggested Software: Miro can be helpful for creating mind maps that illustrate interconnected ideas and projects.
3. Developer, Nurturing Others’ Growth
Developers excel in recognizing and cultivating the potential in others. They are patient and dedicated to helping individuals grow and develop.
Leadership Technique: Balance your drive for regular and constructive feedback with recognition and empathy: strive to identify excellence alongside opportunities for improvement.
Bonus Technique: Establish a mentorship program within your team or organization.
Suggested Software: 15Five is superb at making feedback and growth measurable and easy to navigate.
4. Empathy, High Emotional Intelligence
Empathy-strong leaders can sense the feelings of others and understand their perspectives. This makes them invaluable in creating an emotionally intelligent and sensitive environment.
Leadership Technique: Practice active listening and encourage open, honest communication in your team. Don’t undersell the value of being a good listener!
Bonus Technique: Get out of your routine to hear the perspectives from people outside the normal cadence of your work life. Be intentional about setting aside time for check-ins with overlooked team members.
Suggested Software: CultureAmp is a marvelous platform to solicit organizational feedback and action it into business operations.
5. Harmony, Seeking Balance
Those with Harmony strengths seek to reduce friction and find consensus. They are excellent at navigating conflicts and finding common ground.
Leadership Technique: When mediating discussions, focus on what unites the team as you move discussions towards more agreeable solutions.
Bonus Technique: Host conflict-resolution workshops to enhance team cohesion for when you’re not in the room.
Suggested Software: Hosting surveys on Typeform makes it easy to unearth discontent before it becomes too toxic.
6. Includer, Advocate for Inclusivity
Includers are champions of diversity and inclusivity, ensuring everyone feels part of the group. They are crucial in creating an open and welcoming environment.
Leadership Technique: Actively seek out and elevate diverse perspectives and voices in your team. Preserve time in monthly meetings to recognize quiet excellence.
Bonus Technique: Help managers craft diversity and equity guidelines that ensures a level playing field for everyone.
Suggested Software: Use Equal Time in virtual meetings to identify whose voice isn’t being heard.
7. Individualization, Valuing Unique Contributions
Individualization strength lies in recognizing and valuing the unique characteristics of each person. This strength is key in personalizing interactions and roles to fit individual strengths.
Leadership Technique: When tailoring your approach to each team member, share how their unique strengths and work styles can drive the same level of success as other team members.
Bonus Technique: Use personality assessments like CliftonStrengths to better understand and cater to individual differences. (PS- we’d love to help you with that!)
Suggested Software: Metaverse-based platforms like FrameVR can let people virtually meet while expressing themselves in a wide range of ways.
8. Positivity, Beacon of Optimism
Those with Positivity strengths are the beacons of hope and optimism. They energize teams and create an uplifting and enthusiastic environment.
Leadership Technique: Celebrate successes, no matter how small. Role model a positive and hopeful outlook, especially during challenging times.
Bonus Technique: Initiate and maintain traditions that celebrate team spirit and achievements. Do a little research to make sure your “fundatory” tradition is actually perceived to be fun by other people.
Suggested Software: Use recognition software like Bonusly to facilitate positive feedback and recognition among team members.
9. Relator, Deepening Personal Connections
Relators excel in creating deep and meaningful connections. They are trustworthy and caring, making them excellent confidantes and counselors.
Leadership Technique: You’ll naturally create an environment where team members may trust you, but be clear about where you draw boundaries in your professional relationships.
Bonus Technique: When facilitating teambuilding activities, offer Challenge-by-Choice options for team members that may take longer to open up about personal topics.
Suggested Software: Donut is a straightforward Slackbot that can help foster connections regularly amongst team members.
Cultivating Relationships for Success
Are you ready to explore and harness your Relationship Building strengths? Our team offers assessments and workshops tailored to enhance your organization's relational dynamics.
Let's strengthen your connections and build lasting relationships!
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