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The Tipping Point for Generalists

Batman's Utility Belt
Elite consulting firms hire smart people. 

 Yes, all of these guys have figured out how to rock standardized tests. But the majority of these people come from marketable backgrounds and have demonstrated leadership skills beyond their years.

 I know because I had to recruit them and knew what standards recruits had to meet just to get a resume look. 

 If I was 21 and applying to these firms, there is no way I would have received the courtesy of a rejection note. But I got in, made an experience out of it, and then left the lifestyle. 

 The thing about being a consultant is that your brand is the sum total of your experiences. 

 Your experiences could cross industries, service offerings, clients, etc... 

If you are in the 90% of the people that decide that out is preferred over up, then how do you translate that into a marketable brand? 

 Essentially your value proposition is, "Hey! I'm a smart guy. Put me in a leadership position because my consulting experience has accelerated me beyond a normal industry hire." 

 Unfortunately, there are not a lot of job postings out there that say, "Corporate Athlete Needed" 

 In 2012, Vikram Mansharamani wrote a post called All Hail the Generalist. It will resonate with a lot of you out there that are truly generalists -  which consulting firms tend to crank out. 

 At some point, there is a tipping point where the generalists in the world of business outnumber specialists. I believe that specialists are truly required (for example, you want your accountant to be extremely credible), but in the world of business where ambiguity, creativity, and alternative thinking rules, organizations would be better served finding a balance of looking at the athlete versus the industry veteran that will just maintain the status quo. 

 Let me know your thoughts. 
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Comments

  1. John R DinglerDecember 13, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    I totally agree about having a balance of specialist and generalist. My experience has been that the generalists are sometimes better at the "bigger picture" and visioning, while the specialists are the ones that help bring the bigger picture into reality. It is truly a balance, and it and takes all types to succeed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John R DinglerDecember 13, 2013 at 10:18 AM

      Additionally, here are a few posts that I found interesting on the topic. Food for thought...

      http://careers.theguardian.com/careers-blog/specialist-generalist-what-do-employers-want

      http://www.forbes.com/sites/georgebradt/2012/08/10/us-womens-olympics-gymnastics-team-lessons-re-generalists-vs-specialist/2/

      Delete
  2. S. PerryDecember 14, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    Those are great links. Thanks John!

    ReplyDelete

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