They’re the unicorns of specialization, with laser-focused expertise that can make your head spin. Picture them as the Jedi masters of their field, armed with lightsabers made of specialized knowledge and wielding their expertise with precision and finesse. Need someone to write a mind-bogglingly complex code?
They’ll do it with their eyes closed as they’ve gone through countless battles against bugs, glitches, and elusive algorithms, emerging victorious. They have honed their skills in a specific discipline, becoming the masters of their domain. While their expertise may be narrow, their passion and dedication know no bounds. They liveand breathe their field, their minds brimming with knowledge and their hearts pulsating with the rhythm of their chosen discipline.
1 Imagine the letter “T” standing tall and proud, with its vertical stroke representing the deep technical competence in a specific area. The horizontal stroke of the “T” is where the magic happens. It symbolizes their broad range of knowledge and skills that transcend the boundaries of their specialty. They’re like chameleons who can adapt to different environments and effortlessly switch gears between disciplines.
These T-shaped marvels are the Swiss Army knives of the workforce. Need someone to bridge the gap between marketing and technology? Call in the T-shaped employee, and they’ll whip up a brilliant marketing campaign while simultaneously fixing your computer glitches.
Their ability to transfer knowledge across different domains is like a superpower that defies the laws of professional gravity. They’re the ones who bring diverse perspectives to the table, connecting the dots between seemingly unrelated domains.
1 Gardner, P., Estry, D., (2017). A Primer on the T-professional. Collegiate Employment Research Institute. https://ceri.msu.edu/_assets/pdfs/t-shaped-pdfs/Primer-on-the-T-professional.pdf
You wouldn’t guess it, but V is somewhere between I and T. These folks have honedtheir talents to perfection, becoming masters of their craft. It’s like they have a secret lair filled with all the knowledge and wisdom of their chosen domain.
While their expertise may be narrow, they are gradually broadening it in adjacent areas. They’re like treasure chests overflowing with specialized knowledge, ready to unleash their brilliance on any complex problem that comes their way. V-shaped employees bring a unique dynamic to the workplace. While they may not have abroad range of knowledge in other areas, they’re like the secret sauce that adds that extra kick to projects. They provide specialized insights and expertise that can turn agood project into something extraordinary.
This ingenious shape was crafted by the brilliant minds of ex-Disney animator Dave Zaboski and Claus Raasted during an epic podcast interview. The vertical bars symbolize the depth of skills and expertise in individual fields. The horizontal bar ofthe H is where the magic truly happens. It’s like mixing two different flavors of icecream to create a mind-blowing sundae.
These H-shaped maestros possess the superpower to combine their two disciplines, creating a value so extraordinary thatit might as well have been conjured by a mischievous wizard. “Wait, isn’t this justfancy jargon for being good at two things?” Well, you’re partially correct. There might be others out there who’ve stumbled upon this concept, but they just didn’t dare to call it the H shape. We’re talking about wrapping a simple idea in a shiny new package because, well, who doesn’t love a fancy label?
You’d say these have a deep technical competence and three general competencies, wouldn’t you? But no, the magnificent “E” shaped employee is so much more, a mythical creature who defies the conventional norms of professional prowess. They are the true chameleons of knowledge, seamlessly blending the realms of Experience, Expertise, Exploration, and Execution into a single, majestic letter.
Experience, soaring through the corporate skies with unrivaled wisdom. They’ve mastered their craft, leaving a trail of success stories and astonished colleagues in their wake.
They don’t settle for the ordinary, possessing an insatiable thirst for Exploration, always seeking new frontiers and pushing the boundaries of their expertise. They’re like the Indiana Jones of the business world, armed with a whip of curiosity and ahat full of innovative ideas. And when it comes to Execution, the E-shaped champion is a force to be reckoned with. They’re not just talk; they’re action personified. With laser-like precision, they transform ideas into tangible results, leaving their competitors in awe and their bosses jumping for joy. But its ability to combine vision and granular detail sets the E-shaped wonder apart. They’re like the Michelangelo of their field, sculpting the perfect masterpiece of organizational success. Their superpowers of best practice mastery and continuous improvement make them the secret weapon every company dreams of.
Pi-shaped (pi, not pie!) employees have broad mastery of general knowledge, allowing them to navigate through various domains with the finesse of a graceful dancer. They also possess deep functional or domain expertise in not just one, but two or more knowledge areas.
Picture them as the ultimate team players, swooping in to save the day with their multifaceted abilities. Need a marketing strategy? They’ll whip one up while juggling spreadsheets and creative brainstorming. Require some coding magic?
They’ll write lines of code with one hand and troubleshoot with the other, all whilesipping on a cup of caffeinated brilliance.
These versatile geniuses bring unparalleled flexibility to any team or organization.
With their wide-ranging expertise, they become the secret weapon against the tyranny of limited resources. They’re like a well-stocked buffet, offering a variety of delectable skills that can satisfy any project’s cravings.
You might wonder what’s the difference between them and the H-shaped ones. Let’sjust say that while π is busy rocking the runway with its captivating curves, H stands tall with its sleek and straightforward style.
M-shaped employees are Pi-shaped’s glamorous cousins who’ve taken multitasking to a whole newlevel. They’ve acquired not just one, not two, but multiple specialties, represented by the vertical strokes of the letter M. It’s like they’ve gone to the Specialties Superstoreand grabbed everything off the shelves!
As these M-shaped heroes keep expanding their skill set, something magical happens. Each additional specialty they acquire transforms their M shape into acomb! Yes, you heard it right, a comb! The Comb-shaped employees are the true superheroes of knowledge, combing through different fields and effortlessly combing out solutions to complex problems.
Imagine Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs but on steroids. X-shaped people have climbed that pyramid, conquered each level, and reached the elusive pinnacle ofindividual capability and competency. It’s like they’re wearing a crown made of pure awesomeness.
These X-shaped wonders aren’t the average employees. They’re equipped with an arsenal of uniquely human skills that are grounded in empathy and purpose.
They’ve tapped into their inner Zen masters and have become masters ofadaptability. They gracefully glide through different knowledge domains like a ninja on roller skates, never missing a beat.
Deep expertise? Oh, they’ve got that in spades. These folks have specialized knowledge that could make your brain spin faster than a turbocharged hamsterwheel. But wait, there’s more! They also possess the leadership skills of a seasoned general, ready to lead their troops into battle, or maybe just into the next brainstorming session.
Credibility? Check. These X-shaped superheroes have the uncanny ability to command respect and admiration from their peers. People just can’t help but flock to their side, drawn in by their irresistible aura of knowledge and expertise.
But here’s the secret sauce: X-shaped individuals are perpetual learners. They thrive on continuous growth and evolution. They’re like knowledge sponges, soaking up information and adapting to their ever-changing environment faster than a chameleon changes colors. They’re the MacGyvers of the professional realm, always armed with a solution and ready to conquer any challenge.
