A wee while ago, I went to a conference that had a career aspect of it. Lots of high school students wandering around, learning about different industries and roles. I had to wear a sticker on my shirt that said “Ask me what I do” – which, if I am perfectly honest was confronting.
I am a generalist. I connect ideas, people and resources in loads of different spaces.
That is hard to explain to a 15-year-old hyped up on sugar and caffeinated beverages.
But it can be hard to explain to those not under the influence too…
In today's fast-paced and complex business environment, organisations often seek specialists to tackle specific tasks or functions. However, amidst this trend, the role of generalists is often overlooked or undervalued.
As a leader, understanding the benefits of having generalists within your organisation can be a strategic advantage. As you can imagine, I am a total advocate and cheerleader for the generalists. So let's explore why embracing generalists can foster innovation, enhance collaboration, and drive overall organisational success. (Not anything against the specialists at all, but sometimes we need a little fist-pump for our contributions!)
Adaptability: Generalists possess a broad range of skills and knowledge across various domains. This versatility enables them to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and take on different roles as needed. In a dynamic business landscape where agility is paramount, having employees who can seamlessly transition between tasks and projects is invaluable. Generalists can fill gaps, pivot when necessary, and ensure continuity even in uncertain times.
Cross-Pollination of Ideas: One of the significant advantages of having generalists in your organisation is the diverse perspectives they bring to the table. Their exposure to different fields and experiences allows them to connect ideas from various domains, leading to innovative solutions to complex problems. Unlike specialists who may have a narrow focus, generalists can bridge disciplines, spark creativity, and foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Versatile Problem-Solving: Generalists excel at seeing the big picture and understanding how different parts of an organisation interact. This holistic view enables them to approach problems from multiple angles and devise comprehensive solutions that address underlying issues. Moreover, their ability to draw upon knowledge from diverse areas often results in more robust problem-solving processes and outcomes. Whether it's optimising workflows, streamlining processes, or driving strategic initiatives, generalists bring a unique skill set to the table.
Effective Communication: Generalists can often translate complex ideas into easily understandable terms, they rarely get stuck in those really thick weeds. This skill is invaluable in facilitating collaboration between teams with diverse expertise. Generalists can serve as mediators, bridging the gap between technical specialists and non-technical stakeholders. By fostering clear communication and mutual understanding, they facilitate smoother project execution and alignment towards organisational goals.
Resource Efficiency: While specialists are indispensable for tackling highly specialised tasks, they may struggle when faced with projects that require a broader skill set. In contrast, generalists can often handle a wider range of responsibilities, reducing the need for hiring multiple specialists for different aspects of a project. By leveraging the capabilities of generalists effectively, organisations can optimise resource allocation and achieve greater efficiency in project execution.
As I said, specialists play a vital role in organisations, please don’t get me wrong… some of my best friends are specialists, hahah…. However, embracing generalists can provide a strategic advantage in today's competitive landscape. Their adaptability, cross-disciplinary expertise, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, resource efficiency, and leadership potential make them invaluable assets to any organisation. As a leader, recognising and leveraging the strengths of generalists can fuel innovation, enhance collaboration, and ultimately drive organisational success.
So, don't overlook the power of someone who might not be the subject matter expert, they don’t need to be—embrace their versatility and watch your organisation thrive.
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