Leading with the Includer StrengthsFinder Talent

Includer StrengthsFinder TL;DR

The includer StrengthsFinder talent means you want others to feel like they are a part of the group. This desire is based on your conviction that everyone is important and should have a place they belong. 

You are driven to create an environment of inclusivity, which increases understanding and unity.

When you lead with your includer strength, you strive to make everyone feel included. This could mean always seeking out different perspectives to ensure a diversity of ideas. You may also take extra steps to ensure the comfort of everyone in a group, such as providing snacks or arranging for social activities.

Where are unintentional (or intentional) exclusive groups in your organization?

You understand that when people feel like they belong and are included, their work is more likely to be successful and meaningful.

If you’re already familiar with StrengthsFinder, you can skip over the next section.

How do you lead well with includer in your StrengthsFinder top 5?

So you’ve taken the StrengthsFinder assessment, received your results and found includer in the list. Now you’re wondering how to grow or leverage this strength in your leadership. 

I know how important it is for people not to be left out. I've helped other leaders navigate that tension of focus and inclusion.

These are four strategies I’ve seen includer leaders use to help everyone on their team find where they fit.

1. Help roll out change processes.
2. Help other leaders see who is missing from a discussion.
3. Help those who are present feel welcome.
4. Call out the clubs

Help roll out change processes.

Leaders with the includer StrengthFinder talent have a unique contribution and role in introducing and ensuring a smooth transition for new processes. They make sure to explain why the changes are happening and how they can benefit everyone.

This could involve holding group meetings or sending out emails to keep everyone informed about what’s going on. You may also push for a more inclusive approach when it comes to problem-solving or decision-making. You want others to experience being part of the process.

Help other leaders see who is missing from a discussion.

Includers want everyone to have a say and be heard, which can make them particularly adept at spotting those who are often left out. When you lead with your includer strength, you can help other leaders to make sure everyone is included in conversations and meetings.

You can ensure everyone has a place at the table

Consider calling on people who may not usually speak up, or you might help facilitate a discussion that involves different perspectives.

Help those who are present feel welcome.

Leaders with the includer talent understand how important it is to create an environment where people feel welcomed and accepted. You may take on a more active role in conversations, helping others feel like they are part of the process.

You understand that when people feel like they belong and are included, their work is more likely to be successful and meaningful.

You can also make sure to acknowledge when someone has something valuable to contribute and ask open-ended questions that invite participation. 

Call out the clubs.

People naturally form cliques, often leaving out those who don’t fit in. Includer leaders can help to recognize when clubs are forming and take steps to break them up, making sure everyone is included in the conversation or activity.

Where are unintentional (or intentional) exclusive groups in your organization?

You might suggest activities or topics that bring people together who wouldn’t naturally be part of a group, fostering an environment where all individuals have a voice and feel like they are part of the team. 

As you learn to lead using your includer strength, you can transform your team and organizational culture from exclusive to inclusive.

Leading with your includer StrengthsFinder talent is all about creating a space where everyone feels seen and heard—where their opinions, ideas, and contributions matter. With this strength in full effect, you will be able to build an environment that embraces diversity and encourages collaboration. 

Leaders with the includer strength can struggle with an antipattern of being undiscerning. Learning the strengths antipatterns will allow you to continue growing as a healthy, intentional leader. 

You are on an extraordinary journey to living and leading from your strengths. You can explore the list below to learn about the rest of your top 5 strengths.