Being predominantly RELATIONAL

When we refer to the Talent Cluster for being Relational, we obviously do not mean that people who are strong in this Cluster are the Relational Gurus, and those who are not lack any relational skills.  As with the other 3 clusters, it simply refers to a matter of preference and predominant energy.

Another thing to keep in mind, is that Gallup first published these 4 Clusters in their book "Strengths Based Leadership".  The clustering works very well if applied towards the "way you prefer to take lead".  When in a position of leadership, your predominant clustering will determine the most comfortable way you choose to lead an influence others.

Back to the Relational Cluster:
The Talent Themes sorted within the Relational Cluster are Developer, Adaptability, Connectedness, Empathy, Harmony, Includer, Individualization, Positivity and Relator.
Obviously a case can be made for each of these themes to also function in another Cluster, and that is true.  but the research from Gallup has showed that these 9 Themes expresses itself best within a Relational context.

Let's briefly look at each one individually:

• Developer:  Developer (like the other Relational Themes) has an expression within a direct personal relation.  You can only develop within personal contact, and that contact forms a relationship of some sorts.  You develop step-by-step, and with huge patience.
• Adaptability: A better word for this Themes is "Responsiveness".  You respond to situations, and there is mostly people involved within a specific relationship.  For instance, Achiever will also respond under pressure, but predominantly task driven.  Adaptability loves to respond to the challenge and pressure within some kind of relationship.
• Connectedness: Everything is connected - within a unique relationship.  Nothing happens on its own or due to chance.  It happens within a connection.  Within a relationship.
• Empathy:  You feel the feelings of others.  Empathy cannot exists outside of relationships.
• Harmony:  Peace.  Unity.  Harmony.  Strong relational.  You need to create or uphold harmony.  You influence relationally through bringing harmony and valuing it.
• Includer:  Leave nobody out.  Include everyone. Includers has a sense for someone that feels excluded.  The inclusive nature of teams, groups and pairs are crucial to an Includer.
• Individualization:  The value of the individual, and the value of the uniqueness of each person, is what Individualization is all about.
• Positivity: Being positive and energetic happens within relations.  You "rub off"' on others.
• Relator:  Relator literally means "relating to".  A relator believes in, and values two things more than any other:  trust and loyalty.

The most important aspect to get to grips with when you have strong Relational Themes (or when you connect with someone who does) is to understand that it has a strong "sensing" nature.  You sense thing - be it feelings, uniqueness, how to respond, conflict, energy or trust.  You are tuned in to sensing.  This nature of the Relational Cluster is also the one aspect that hose who does NOT have it strongly, struggles to understand.  How can you simply just "sense" it?

That is the beauty of being predominantly relational.

Next post:  the last of the four clusters:  the Strategic Thinking Themes.

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