I have always held a deep admiration for those amongst us who have a depth of knowledge that is rarely matched by their peers.

Partly because, as a Civil Engineer ‘to trade’, I never quite cut the mustard and partly because deep knowledge commands genuine respect and trust when making some critical decisions.

I recall being pilloried as part of a ‘talent programme’ for future leaders within my previous organisation, being asked by the Talent Manager, “Do you consider yourself a Generalist or a Specialist?”

This was a question I didn’t quite understand initially, but I reflected on my rather average ability as an Engineer, and concluded that I was in no way a specialist. ‘I am a generalist’, I thought ‘knowing very little about quite a lot’. Of course, I now know that there is a lot more to being a generalist (one who can apply a discreet suite of skills across a broad range of subjects and circumstances), than meets the eye.

In most working organisations, specialists are more and more finding themselves drawn to a generalist position. This is a good thing. It neither involves an abandonment of their specialist skills, nor an over indulgence in the business of wearing many hats. In the working environment, specialists are evolving.

The religious amongst us will forever be plagued with the banner of being specialists, knowing more and more about less and less. That is to say, as our understanding of cosmology and purpose/meaning of life increases, religion has, in my opinion, nowhere to advance. It can only delve deeper into ‘the book’ and search for more advanced and specialised theory under the principles of redemption and afterlife.

The enlightenment and scientific advancement provides an endless puzzle, one which we cannot put down.

The thought of knowing less and less about more and more excites me. Being more insignificant than I could ever imagine. Constantly solving problems and unearthing dozens more is what keeps us alive.

Bring it on.

PM