Ode to the Generalist

Not being a specialist  

does not mean you’re not special. 

In fact, is there such thing as a generalist

when you are uniquely you?

Okay, okay. I'm not actually going to write a poem. Cue the “that’s so corny” sigh. Yet, it’s true. So many individuals I have coaching conversations with have been coached by others to pick a specialty and become an expert. I have heard this sentiment from individuals throughout my career as well. There is often the advice that in order to become essential to a company and in order to be successful, you have to have some deep, technical skill. Often highly regarded leaders are the ones who have advised this. These comments from respected leaders can leave generalists feeling conflicted or insufficient.  

I’m here to say, there’s a need for you to be uniquely you. That’s your specialty. 

However well-intended, these pieces of advice that demand a “specialty” are limiting. They define “specialist” and “generalist” too narrowly. They consider “specialist” to be someone with a very particular set of skills in a specific area of expertise (Anyone read that in the Liam Neeson voice? Just me?). They define “generalist” as someone who knows a little bit about a lot, but no deep knowledge in any field. Often, they consider “hard skills” when labeling someone a “specialist” or “generalist.” In my experience, this is too narrow and leaves folks who have identified as generalists to feel inadequate or like their skills don’t add value. 

Generalists do add value. They often have deep emotional intelligence. This “soft” skill is one of the most important qualities in leaders and is too often overlooked. Another skill that generalists often have is the ability to adapt & learn quickly. In a constantly changing business world, the ability to continually relate to those around you and the ability to be flexible to changes is paramount. So even if you don’t have a specific, deep technical knowledge on something, your ability to adapt to changes, learn new things, and understand people you work with is a collection of some top skills. Some would even call this a "specialty" 😊 .  

There, of course, are lots of professions where having a deep technical specialty is important. However, there are plenty of corporate roles where a high-EQ generalist can be the perfect fit to support or lead organizations’ growth. There’s not only a place for you, but a need for you in organizations. I’ve seen generalists become the most empathetic leaders, amazing idea generators, or great organizers, among other things.  

With any strength comes the converse – a warning to not to lean into it so much that it becomes a detriment. As generalists, though you may like to work across many focal areas, don’t spread yourself so thin that you cannot go to the necessary level of depth to perform on projects.  

Every person is uniquely themselves, and every generalist has a group of skills that make them uniquely important. It’s about harnessing them and focusing on the ones that bring value.