People with strong Includer talents are at their best when they are increasing participation, acceptance and engagement across team members, partners and customers.

Includer®

A theme in the Relationship Building domain of CliftonStrengths

People exceptionally talented in the Includer theme accept others. They show awareness of those who feel left out and make an effort to include them..

 

Full Theme Description

"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 Theme’s Power and Edge

Includers are sensitive to those who are excluded and have an innate desire and capacity to bring them into the group. Their thoughtful approach to others not only increases participation and communication as they ensure everyone is considered, but also brings a level of tolerance and acceptance of diversity.

 

How People with Strong Includer Talents Describe Themselves

  • "I am aware of social exclusion and understand its repercussions."

  • "I need room for everyone."

  • "I love assimilation and integration."

  • "I hate cliques."

  • "I bring a high level of tolerance and acceptance of diversity."

 

Theme Contrast

Includer “I work for the acceptance of those on the outside.”
Harmony “I work for the agreement of those on the inside.”
Includer Be indiscriminately accepting of all who are on the bus.
Maximizer Be discriminately selective about who gets on the bus.
 

Includer Helps and Hinders

Helps

  • You are a natural team builder. You include people and forge a sense of belonging and camaraderie that builds trust and boosts productivity.

  • You seek out others for their ideas and opinions. Because of this, others feel that you value and respect them — creating a sense of ownership among the team.

  • For you, the best way forward isn't necessarily by building consensus, but rather by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard. In this way, you don't miss the best ideas that can lead to success.

  • Your naturally high capacity for the tolerance of diverse ideas and perspectives can make you a bridge builder, bringing together individuals and groups who wouldn't otherwise think to work together.

Hinders

  • Your desire not to leave others out can lead you to cast the net too wide — not everyone needs to have input on every decision.

  • In reaching out to others to ensure they are not left out, realise that some are perfectly fine with being excluded — respect their decision, and don't take it personally.

  • Sometimes the important people in your life want time with just you. Be sensitive to their needs, and resist the urge to invite "the whole gang" when that might not be appropriate.

  • When working on a project, your natural bent toward inclusion can sometimes lead to "too many cooks in the kitchen." Recognise the times when efficiency and excellence may call for fewer opinions to be heard.

 

If Includer is a Dominant Theme for You, Take Action to Maximise Your Potential

  • Choose roles that allow you to continuously work and interact with people. You will enjoy the challenge of making everyone feel important.

  • Find opportunities to bring together people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. You can be a leader in this area.

  • Help those who are new to a group get to know others. You know how to quickly make people feel accepted and involved.

  • Help your friends and colleagues see what you see.

  • Explain what everyone has in common. Help others understand that to respect the differences among us (our diversity), we must begin by appreciating what we all share (our similarity).

  • Draw out others’ opinions in a group setting. Speak up for the importance of including everyone’s feelings.

  • Be selective when using your Includer talents. There is a time to include; there is a time to not include. By increasing involvement, you increase diversity and input — but you also increase complexity.

 

Potential Blind Spots to Watch Out for

  • You might tend to include others to the point of unnecessary complexity, with too many opinions and conflicting efforts. Acknowledge that sometimes, you will need to be selective for the sake of clarity and efficiency.

  • Even though you cast few judgments, be careful not to criticise those who belong to exclusive groups and clubs. While you likely disagree with what they stand for and might view them as elitist, remember that everyone has the right to choose whom they spend time with.

 

If Includer Is a Lesser Theme for You

Lacking the intensity of the Includer theme does not prevent you from valuing others’ input. It might mean that you are more selective about your company or your counsel. Be mindful of situations when a broader perspective might be required.

  • You might be selective in choosing your friends and gravitate to those who share things in common with you. To widen your circle, intentionally search for shared interests, backgrounds, opinions and connections. When first meeting someone, ask specific questions to find common ground.

  • You likely don’t intend to exclude others, but if you do not proactively invite them, someone could reach that conclusion. To counteract this perception, make a point to solicit feedback during meetings, and set reminders for yourself to greet people each morning or invite team members to lunch.

  • Join your company’s welcome committee to expand your personal network.

 
 

Source: Gallup®

 
 

“If you are going to care about the fall of the sparrow, you can’t pick and choose who’s going to be the sparrow. It’s everybody.”

— Madeleine L’Engle, writer