HBR – The Specialist-Generalist

April 1, 2019April 1, 2019 John Worne Behaviours, Management, Specialist-Generalist

Perspectives

A nice piece in the HBR today on exploring different perspectives and the inherent tensions between some (indeed many) roles in the modern organisation. I've used Susan Scott's description from 'Fierce Conversations' of the organisational 'beach ball' a few times recently - if you're finance the world is one colour, if you're operations another and … Continue reading Perspectives

July 20, 2018 John Worne Behaviours, Optimism, People, Specialist-Generalist

HBR – Choose to be kind

By John Worne There is no better advice for any Specialist-Generalist than choosing to be kind... Whatever the provocation, you reap what you sow; whenever you shove someone they'll always shove you back - usually harder. HBR can be a bit schmaltzy at times, but there's something in re-wiring your head and 'leaning in' with … Continue reading HBR – Choose to be kind

July 15, 2017July 15, 2017 John Worne Purpose, Specialist-Generalist

HBR – Find Purpose in Even Your Most Mundane Tasks at Work

The definition of the Specialist-Generalist is turning your hand to many things - but always remembering the purpose. Some days that's easier than others though. As Valerie Keller and Caroline Webb put it on HBR.org: "How are we supposed to feel a higher sense of purpose amid the daily scrum, as we wade through tedious … Continue reading HBR – Find Purpose in Even Your Most Mundane Tasks at Work

The Specialist-Generalist Mindset

Here's what Harvard Business Review has to say on 'Imposter Syndrome', every Specialist-Generalist's constant companion:

"We’ve all had that feeling of being unqualified to do something we’ve been tasked to do. But the fact that everyone occasionally suffers from impostor syndrome (even CEOs and Prime Ministers) doesn’t make it any easier to handle.

Try these three things:

1) Recognise there are positives to being new in your field. When you’re not steeped in the conventional wisdom of a given profession or industry, you can ask questions that haven’t been asked before or approach problems in ways others haven’t thought of.

2) Adopt a learning mindset. Focus more on what you’re learning than on how you’re performing.

3) Know that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling like an impostor, chances are that others feel the same way."