Another Strong Case for the Generalist: Business Start-ups
Many businesses are founded by people who are experts in their field. They have a lot of specialized knowledge, and they are very good at what they do. However, during the start-up phase of a business, it is often more beneficial to have generalists on board. Generalists are more balanced in depth and breadth of knowledge and therefore more able to wear many hats and get things done at the outset. As the business scales and stabilizes, the organization can transition to more specialized professionals.
What is a Generalist?
A generalist is someone who has a broad range of knowledge and skills in many different areas. They're the type of person who is comfortable switching between tasks and disciplines and they tend to see the big picture with a broader perspective. In contrast, specialists are experts in one specific area, and they often get bogged down in details with a narrower focus.
During the start-up phase of a business, it is important to have team members who can wear many hats and handle a variety of tasks. There is simply too much to do at the outset for one person to be an expert in everything. That is where generalists come in. They can take care of administrative tasks, build teams, deal with customers, handle finances, and do anything else that needs to be done. Later, as the business grows, generalists may transition into more specialized roles.
The Importance of Generalists
In today's ever-changing business landscape, it is more important than ever to have people on business teams who are adaptable and able to pivot when necessary. With technology advancing at breakneck speed, businesses need to be able to adapt quickly or risk being left behind. That is why having generalists on staff can be such an asset. They are not afraid of change, and they are willing to learn new things, pivot rapidly, and draw on a wide array of experiences. It is often more beneficial to have generalists on a start-up, and here are three primary reasons why:
1. Generalists are Balanced
When it comes to knowledge and skills, generalists are more balanced than specialists. They have a depth and breadth of knowledge that allows them to wear many hats and tackle many different tasks. This is especially important during the start-up phase when there are a lot of moving parts and things are constantly changing. Having a team of generalists provides the flexibility to adapt quickly and make decisions on the fly.
2. Generalists Get Things Done
In addition to being more balanced, generalists are also better equipped to get things done at the outset. They do not need things to be perfect before acting and they are comfortable with ambiguity. This is crucial during the start-up phase when there is often a lot of uncertainty. Having a team of generalists helps the start-up move forward quickly and efficiently.
3. Generalists Can Be Easily Interchangeable - As start-ups start to scale and stabilize, they can transition from having teams of generalists to having teams of specialists. This is because generalists are interchangeable whereas specialists often have unique skill sets that are difficult to find. As businesses grow, they can slowly replace the team of generalists with specialized professionals who can help take the business to the next level.
The Current Case for Generalists
During times of crisis, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic or the impending economic turmoil, businesses need to be able to rely on team members to be flexible and adaptable. Many businesses have had to make major changes to survive and remain viable during these uncertain times. Those that have been able to succeed and perform at high levels despite the challenges are usually those that had generalists on their team who could quickly adapt and find new ways to do things.
In conclusion, during the start-up phase of a business, it is often more beneficial to have a generalist on board rather than a specialist. Generalists are more balanced in depth and breadth of knowledge and therefore more adaptable during times of change. They also tend to see the big picture and are better equipped to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. As the business grows and stabilizes, it can then transition into using more specialized professionals later down the line.
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About the Author: Dr. Jared Sinclair is the Founder of the Sinclair Performance Institute®, where he helps businesses remove the guesswork of high(er) performance, expand capacity, improve performance, and facilitate growth.
