I'm in a group on Facebook that is geared towards Scanners, Renaissance Women and Men, Polymaths, Slashers... or whatever you like to call us. It's an amazing group for someone like me, and the people there are thought-provoking, supportive, and they inspire me constantly. Today one of them asked for help in how to respond to Specialists who don't understand Scanners.
It also brought to mind some of the articles I've been reading lately in which "Slashers" have been denigrated, a post from a "friend" on Facebook today where she was appalled that someone reveled in being mediocre, and other articles I've read. As a quick aside, a slasher is someone who's title is made up of slashes. Mine is (or could be): Trainer/Coach/Writer/Photographer. It made me realize that there are people out there who quite simply do NOT understand us. So first I'll give you my response to the Specialist who calls us "Jack of all Trades" in a derogatory way, and then I'll move on to what we're really about, and what some of our strengths are.
My response to someone who intimates that I'm a Jack of all trades, master of none is to tell them the full quote:
Jack of all trades, master of none, though ofttimes better than master of one. -Geffray Mynshul (1618)
It gives a different feeling, doesn't it? Typically, I'll leave it at that. But if someone desires a more full understanding, it's this: I have a breadth of knowledge in a variety of subjects. In business, and with clients, this allows me to have a better idea of what the bigger picture is.
Consider this scenario: I am a writer, photographer, typist, bookkeeper, teacher, trainer, and many other things. I'm very good at all of these things, although there are many who are better at any one of these things. I tend to prefer jobs that hold the title of Office Manager, working for a small but growing company. Why is that? Because it's a job where all of my experience and interests come into play. I am currently creating a marketing brochure (using my photography, design, and writing skills). I also do invoicing (bookkeeping skills), and write and type business letters, for one company. They don't need a professional photographer on staff, nor do they need a staff writer. But they need someone with my combination of skills. It's a win-win. Does this employer look down on me because I have chosen not to get a degree in Accounting, or don't have my CPA? No. He appreciates the skill set that I bring to the table, because he needs a generalist, not a specialist.
If I meet someone, and I explain it in this way, many times, I'll see the "aha!" moment when they get it. Maybe it changes his/her mind permanently. Maybe it doesn't. But generally speaking, when I explain that I am a Creative Career Coach, and I help people figure out how to create a life they can love living, I'll ask for the Specialist's business card. I explain that I keep a resource bank of names, numbers, and specialties, so that if a client comes to me requiring more in-depth knowledge than I have, I would love an opportunity to be able to call on them for their expert opinions.
I've never looked down on Specialists. I have a fascination that they can love one thing so much that they know that's what they're meant to do. I have a deep appreciation for the time they have spent honing their craft, the dedication it takes for them to reach the pinnacle of their career. All I ask for is the same respect for them. I choose to be a generalist. I choose how in-depth into a career or hobby that I get. And I learn from it. In reality, I am a specialist in learning and teaching. I just prefer a breadth of knowledge rather than a depth of knowledge about any one thing. It doesn't make me less-than. In fact, I'll wear the badge proudly (if such a badge existed).
In my coaching practice, having such a breadth of knowledge is essential. If my client describes the job above as her dream career, if I only know of being a Specialist in a large corporation, I can't help her find her way to her dream job. But with my knowledge, I am able instead to direct her to the types of companies that might need her particular skill set.
So, the next time you hear someone call someone like me or you a dilettante, slasher, or any number of derogatory terms... think twice about judging them as harshly as they've judged me or you. Try to appreciate them for being the Specialist they are, and try patiently explaining why I am or you are the way we are. After all, it takes all kinds...
