The current slowdown has brought forward some interesting views on Career Development;Generalist Vs Specialist
The contention between being a Specialist or a Generalist has become very valid with the present times. Not only would this be relevant to new generation employees (Gen Y) but also to employers who are looking forward to grow inspite of an uncertain global environment.
Businesses are on one hand looking at professionals who are versatile and possess a wide range of knowledge and skills ( The Generalist) - while there is also a compelling need to have those with indepth and extensive knowledge on certain specific disciplines ( The Specialists).
Those in favor of Specialization believe the age of "Jack of all, Master of none" is past; while the Generalists are forwarding their cause as Strategic partners in Business.
At this juncture it would be wise to understand the relative differences between a Specialist and a Generalist. (refer to the PPT in the above post).
Some distinguishing features between the two can be summarized as below:
- A Specialist focuses on Tasks while a Generalist focuses on the context in which the tasks are carried out.
- A Specialist as the name suggests possesses comprehensive knowledge on a certain discipline while a Generalist's knowledge may not be deep, but spreads across various disciplines.
- A Specialist is more concerned with the employment of resources ( i.e Doing) while a Generalist is inclined towards deployment of resources ( i.e. arrangements).
- A Specialist tends to DO more ( Tactics involved in carrying out a Specific task) , while the Generalist tends to DEAL more ( Strategy of Dealing with people and processes).
In Favor of the Generalists
The level of a person in the business or a specific job can play a significant role in whether specialization or generalization is required. More specialized knowledge and experience becomes less important the higher your position.Executives need exposure and knowledge of a breadth of topics, while lower levels may need more detailed knowledge of a narrower range of topics.
While a person may find himself in a position of specialization, it is important to keep in touch with areas outside that area of specialization. In order for organizations to remain lean and flexible, there is a push to ensure that all personnel (including managers) have a broad perspective and a broad range of skills. Employees who refuse to broaden their skill set or take on assignments outside of their area of expertise are valued less within company's ranks.
In Favor of the Specialists
Specialists focus on Core Competencies; just as companies focus on theirs . This fact turns the tide in favor of the Specialists. The world has changed dramatically. People now work in organizational networks, not true hierarchies. And ultimately businesses change so fast that the business you are running is likely to change right out from under you.In most cases the success of companies is dependent on deep levels of expertise and judgment that Specialists posses: not simply good management and leadership skills of the Generalists.
This is not to say that leadership capabilities ( that the Generalists so often portray as their core competency) are not important: they clearly are. But if you look at what we call "enduring organizations," they endure because they are very focused on their core competencies: they are the "best in the world" at one or two things.
Several leading multinationals like Intel, Microsoft, Pfizer, Qualcomm have flourished upon their dependence on Specialist Knowledge. These companies did not become billion dollar companies by hiring and developing "good managers" - they did it through expertise and specialization. Early in their lives they found their niche: they focused heavily on it over many years; and they build deep levels of skills, expertise, experience, and sustainable competitive advantage in these areas.
The Verdict
Now coming back to the question of being a Generalist or Specialist.
Well, this is something that the individual has to choose as part of his/her Career Decision. Knowing the pros and cons of both can help in easing the decision making process. One also has to be aware of the consequences of such a decision and its impact on ones future jobs.
A prospective Generalist should be inclined to learn the various facets of business. He should be open to more wider specter of knowledge that comes his way. His breadth of knowledge will determine his success.
A prospective Specialist will need to exhibit curiosity in knowing MORE. He has to choose his area of interest and make all out efforts to dwell into the depths of his chosen discipline. This will require hard work and the determination to know all that can be known and to search for the unknown.
So, Whats Your take? Specialist or Generalist!
Some interesting reads: Who Do You Hire: Generalists or Specialists? by Mike Smith
Good work, I saw your acumen in writing. I will forward to few.
ReplyDeletethanks Surendran! do sign up on my blog!
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