The Misunderstood Generalist (Multipod)
Some traits are considered unpopular (misunderstood) than the other by the mainstream society. You have heard that an extrovert is more preferred than an introvert. This is also true for being a specialist and having one true calling is more preferred than being a generalist. Of course, in reality, that’s not always the case. Plus, it is impossible to find a pure 100% trait owner. It’s actually a matter of which is the dominant and that can also change from time to time.
Are You One of Them?
“An educational and psychological term referring to a pattern found among intellectually gifted individuals. [Multipotentialites] generally have diverse interests across numerous domains and may be capable of success in many endeavors or professions, they are confronted with unique decisions as a result of these choices.”– Wiki
They are also known as polymath / renaissance person, scanner, generalist, multi-passionate, multipod, jack of all trades, etc. Here is Emilie Wapnick on Being a Multipotentialite, in her TED Talk titled “Why some of us don’t have one true calling”.
What Again Their Superpowers?
If you are confused and still not sure why the world needs them, Tanmay Vora sums it up in his neat infographic below.
In today’s world where more and more existing jobs and businesses are disappearing and being replaced with the unknown new ones, these superpowers are definitely great to have. As they can morph themselves whenever they need to while transferring their skills to the new domain. If you need someone who can wear multiple hats like in a startup setting, then you know whom you need to have too.
Here is a short list of some of the most famous multipotentialites throughout history:
- Leonardo Di Vinci
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
- René Descartes
- Isaac Newton
- Aristotle
The Challenges
With that said, owning an unpopular trait means it is challenging. For example, they and people around them are pondering why can’t they stick with and finish one thing instead of jump around different things most of the time. On one side, this makes them confused on what to name themselves. On the other hand, people are more likely judging their “shallowness” instead of appreciating their ability to perform in breadth range. It is also tough when it comes to presenting their whole self like in a resume because people usually get distracted with the various things that they have achieved or done. Most people just can’t connect the dots like they have.
One helpful approach suggested by Chris Guillebeau in his book Born for This: How to Find the Work You Were Meant to Do is to have an umbrella or a common theme and highlight that. I actually first read the term “multipod” in this book.
You can build a life around all your interests, and you don’t have to settle for anything less.
Then they need to tell the story of how the dots connected and show others how it has taken them to great things. This also offers a scope to work on so they can conserve energy from juggling very different things. While that can still be tough to do in writing, it is easier to perform in a conversation. Since they have multiple hats in the first place, they can pick which hat to use to best connect with their audience.
Besides that, choosing roles that put them in intersections of things might be an option. These roles including but not limited to project manager, program manager, product manager, product owner, UX designer, business analyst, business development, consultant, general manager, CEO, entrepreneur, etc. If that is not possible choose a working environment that welcomes contribution and collaboration from anyone. If these still are not in their options, really master the art of juggling it is.
Each trait somehow has its advantages in certain cases. No man is an island. Most of the time we need to partner with others who are different than us to reach our goals. Diversity makes us stronger because we complete one another. The right recipe of diversity is the question.
If you know me then you know which one I am. Hint, I enjoy the intersection of things, especially between technology and business. What about you, are you more of a specialist or a generalist?
