BP 82 - Enter... The Generalist

Generalism is the art and practice of becoming reasonably proficient in multiple skills and knowledge-disciplines. Generalists are those who live lives characterized by a deep sense of generalism. We see generalists in nature, such as the coywolf, who, in their territories, sit near the top of the food chain, and whose ability to adapt to and thrive in almost any environment is unrivaled in the animal kingdom. We see generalists, too, in all arenas of humanity. Some sectors, though, tend to attract and produce greater percentages of generalists. As an example, I point to the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Because generalists seem to be interested in almost everything—from engineering… to skateboarding… to writing… to botany—the generalist’s approach to life inevitably results in their ability to do “almost everything reasonably well.” Rather than focusing exclusively on just one or two arenas, generalists tend to develop a base-level competency in diverse collections of skills, disciplines, and knowledge-arenas. More than just a few generalists have been known to, in several arenas, develop day-to-day skill-proficiencies that might even rival those of a professional or skilled tradesperson in his [or her] specific field of expertise. With such broad and diverse interests, generalists, as they continue to explore and practice so many different things, become increasingly adept at adapting to changing situations so as to untangle complex and, seemingly, insurmountable problems and situations. Drawing from their almost uncanny ability to pick and choose from a variety of often disparate “arts,” and then synthesize them, it’s not uncommon for such ones to create “out-of-the-box” solutions that baffle those around them.

Such is the life of the generalist.

At their core, generalists tend to be poly-impassioned. By that I mean, they’re born with a wide range of interests and loves (that just need to be uncovered and tended). They’re also born with an almost insatiable curiosity for life, learning, practice, personal growth, and experience. This internal penchant drives them to learn and, in some arenas, master whatever the subject might be, from counseling… to motor-cross… to philosophy… to cooking (and, even, flower arranging). Regularly referred to as “Jacks of All Trades,” generalists are often capable of performing well in many different roles, tasks, and environments. A generalist’s versatility of interest and intentionally cultivated talent can be incredibly valuable in both personal and professional contexts, as such traits and skills can allow them to develop rapport with almost anyone. In addition, because they tend to be extremely pragmatic, a generalist, like almost no one else, can, quite literally, change direction in an instant—much to the chagrin of those highly invested in whatever it is that, to the generalist, appears to be broken (or, at least, subpar).

Unfortunately, immature, self-conscious generalists (like I once was—and still am in some arenas) can be labeled by those around them (such as, their parents, teachers, coaches, employers, pastors, etc.) as “fickle” and “a bit all over the place.” I got that a lot growing up as a child. One of my Dad’s biggest complaints was that I pursued everything only to, once I developed a modicum of competence, lose interest fairly quickly and move on to some other new, shiny interest. Later in life, my Dad began to understand that my approach wasn’t a character flaw, it was central to who I was as a person. In time (and as I grew older), he saw how all the skills I acquired began to transform me into what many called, “A Force of Nature.” This is not a brag point for me. I suffered a lot from being labeled as "uncommitted," "unconventional," "rebellious," and, even, "directionless" at times. While such characterizations may have been true to a degree, such characterizations weren’t true in every circumstance or context; nor were they true even most of the time. Unfortunately (at least, for me at the time), to many, my approach to doing so many different things for only a little while was difficult to understand.

Again, welcome to the life of a generalist. For you generalists out there, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if a number of you also suffered similar difficulties growing up.

Okay… personal story over. Back to our discussion…

While generalists thrive on variety and on doing a lot of different things, they also understand that sometimes situations require them to specialize temporarily in a particular discipline or field of study. When the need arises, a generalist can immerse himself [or herself] deeply into a particular art or practice so as to acquire the needed expertise. Because they possess a solid baseline knowledge of many concepts, they can often accelerate their learning and quickly become potently adept at a new skill or profession. The difference, though, between a generalist, who becomes a specialist temporarily, and a permanent specialist, is significant. When temporarily specializing in something, a generalist holds on to (and continues to dabble in) their other skills. They know, from having observed (and learned from) many specialists, that, while specialization can lead to significant efficiencies and, at times, innovation and inventiveness, it comes at a price: Often, one’s humanity. Yes, historically, we (that is, humankind) have benefited greatly from specialists; they (that is, the specialists), on the other hand, have suffered greatly. The mind-brain/body injuries (like burnout and, in physical arenas, repetitive use injuries) created by specialization are almost incalculable. That which is used too much gets injured. That which is done too much (especially without variety) grinds away at our energy, saps our enthusiasm, and wears us out. And… that which is not used regularly gets excessed. Here’s an old adage to take to heart-mind: “Load (or overload) something in your life too much or for too long, and you’ll damage it—sometimes irreparably. Conversely, fail to challenge yourself in multiple arenas regularly (that is, in and with a never-ending variety of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social endeavors) and your humanity will decline as you begin to discard what your personhood interprets (through disuse and disinterest) as no longer needed, useful, or even wanted.” I (!!)… need everything God created me with.

Bottom line? I don’t want to damage what God gave me; and… I don’t want to lose anything I was created to have. Further, I don’t want you to either—hence this introductory essay (and, even, this entire publication).

The heartset and mindset of a generalist emphasizes the grasping of concepts over the memorization of established rules, procedures, methods, and techniques. In any endeavor, generalists seek to understand (and assimilate as a part of their neurology) the underlying principles of a subject or skill and the reasoning behind those principles. This concept-centric approach enables them to adapt, through improvisation, to the needs of the moment. The improvisational skills, to which I’m referring, center in on the blending of previous learnings and experiences in other arenas with the applied-knowledge they’ve garnered in whatever field of expertise they’re currently pursuing. Through this improvisational-blending, they invent solutions and create approaches that extend well beyond standard or “normal” processes and practices. When you comprehend properly the “how” and “why” of anything, the “what” intuitively awakens and finds easy—almost effortless—application across a myriad of situations, environments, and contexts.

For instance, a generalist, who understands the fundamental principles of producing a play, can improvise those same skills to managing a product development team, organizing a fundraiser, or even planning a personal goal like, say, losing weight. The generalist’s ability to both see the larger picture and understand the relationships between the constituent elements allows them to be exquisitely effective in almost any setting.

Generalism is NOT about being “A Master of None;” in fact it’s anything but that. Being a generalist is about being proficient enough in multiple arenas to see underlying connections (and be able to nurture deeper ones); foster inventiveness, innovation, and scientific playfulness; adapt to challenges; capitalize on failure; recover from setbacks; cannibalize previous wins; eat the plans of others and meld them with your own; and always keep getting back up and moving forward. Many generalists actually become masters in several arenas—typically, those they truly love (and would probably engage in even if nobody ever knew such things about them). In fact, many generalists are masters of one or more things that they keep completely to and for themselves. Many years ago, I transformed the dichotomous—and somewhat pejorative—cliché, He’s [or She’s] “A Jack of All Trades but a Master of None,” into the following personal aspiration: “I want to be and become A Jack of Many Trades and A Master of Several.” Every day, I strive to step into, work out, and then walk in this self-crafted, aspirational slogan.

Generalism is all about having the internal flexibility, self-mastery, and emotional fortitude to specialize when necessary while sustaining and strengthening a broad array of skill sets that keep you situationally aware, mentally adaptable, and neurologically resilient. In a world that’s in a constant state of flux and upending disruption, generalists are uniquely suited to thrive and lead.

In essence, generalism is a powerful approach to life and learning. It encourages continuous growth, nurtures creativity, and builds a robust foundation of know-how, perspective, and persistence. As you’re probably beginning to discern, generalism is more than just the possession of a set of acquired skills; generalism is a heartset and mindset that encourages (and showcases) unrivaled curiosity, insatiable interest, novitiate enthusiasm, and world-class inventiveness. It also invites a deeper connection to and with oneself, others, and the many environments in and through which we live, love, work, move, play, grow, and give of ourselves. By embracing the principles of generalism, we can navigate more effectively the complex challenges modern life throws at us, and do so with loving acceptance, realistic confidence, ever-growing agility, and an ever-increasing willingness to get our hands dirty in the interests of learning something new, accomplishing something worthwhile, and making those around us just a little happier.

Peace to you, friends...