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Neither; or both: be T or ∏ shaped. Have broad, (relatively) shallow knowledge in many domains, and (relatively) deep knowledge in one or two that are complemen

by sidlls 5y ago

Neither; or both: be T or ∏ shaped. Have broad, (relatively) shallow knowledge in many domains, and (relatively) deep knowledge in one or two that are complementary to each other, and for which your broad knowledge can be used to work with teams having more specialized understanding.

dadoge 5y ago
Ha! Never heard of “ ∏ shaped”, but I think that’s the best way. Two areas opens up more opportunities both in your org/company and elsewhere.
- taurath 5y ago
  It’s far far easier to be 90th percentile in 2 fields than 1st percentile in one, and you get relatively the same benefits. This applies much further down the percentiles as well.
  - sebmellen 5y ago
    Scott Adams (of Dilbert fame) refers to this as “talent stacking.”
Zamicol 5y ago
Well done. That's the best I've ever heard that said.
cameldrv 5y ago
I agree with this. Also, technological developments, business models, and fashions change rapidly. When the vertical part of your T starts to be in lower demand, you'll be in a difficult spot. If you go for the ∏ strategy, you have the ability to pivot your career towards the remaining leg, and hopefully start building up a new one.