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In this evolving world, T-shaped in the workforce has been a key driver of balancing the skills needed, that’s why employers have been seeking people with this characteristic in the labor force. In fact, specific statistics on the percentage of companies actively hiring T-shaped professionals are limited, a study by CompTIA found that 84% of companies are now using a T-shaped skills model to guide talent management.
Additionally, a McKinsey Global Survey reported that 87% of executives recognize or anticipate skill gaps within their workforce, highlighting the growing importance of versatile skill sets like those of T-shaped individuals.
T-shaped definition
A T-shape is generally a mix of generalists’ and specialists’ abilities. As defined by its shape, the dash part (which can be called the generalist part) implies the breadth of adaptability and general knowledge or soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence.
Generalists in T-shaped
Generalists (people that have many surface abilities in every field) may be able to adapt to the labor force easily, nevertheless, they’re perceived as “Jack of All Trades” which may be viewed as less competent (thus, widely the reason they are paid less).
A generalist is like a Swiss Army knife in the professional world—adaptable, versatile, and equipped to tackle diverse challenges. For example, consider a project manager overseeing a product launch.
While they might not write the code like a developer or design the visuals like a graphic designer, their ability to understand the basics of both fields allows them to bridge communication gaps between teams. They coordinate timelines, allocate resources, and adapt strategies based on evolving needs. Their broad skill set ensures the project moves forward smoothly, leveraging their knowledge of multiple disciplines to make informed decisions and solve unexpected problems creatively.
Specialists in T-shaped
While the I-shaped part (which can be called the specialist part) implies the depth of a certain field. Although they’re experts in tasks requiring technical precision and knowledge, specialists (people with mere a skill in one field) may find it complicated to adapt to the workforce.
For example, consider a data scientist working in AI development. Their expertise in machine learning algorithms and data analysis enables them to design cutting-edge models that power innovations like recommendation systems or autonomous vehicles. They delve deep into complex datasets, identify hidden patterns, and optimize performance with specialized techniques.
As T-shaped is the combination of both above, T-shape has the ability to fit more into the industry. As indeed stated, people with these skills usually possess deep knowledge and specialized expertise in areas crucial to their professional achievements and effectiveness.
Why T-shaped in the workforce is needed?
The concept of T-shape has been around since the 80s. Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO Design, uses the concept to select candidates that he believes are able to solve the communication difficulties between designers and engineers, as well as between creative and technical mindsets.
McKinsey & Company also believed that T-shaped people are also to be sought after in terms of managing the bridge between two different characteristics to open collaboration. Why? Their specialized expertise (the vertical bar of the “T”) allows them to tackle complex problems with precision and contribute deeply to their specific area of work.
Meanwhile, their broad knowledge across various fields (the horizontal bar) equips them to collaborate effectively, adapt to interdisciplinary challenges, and connect ideas from different domains.
That combination makes T-shaped individuals present a balance that values an asset in dynamic environments where innovation, teamwork, and versatility are crucial for success.
Higher chance of “survival”:
T-shaped people also have a higher percentage of “surviving” in the shifts of the workforce due to the interference from AI, compared to specialists and generalists by its versatility which could save the company both money and lose out on opportunity cost.
Built Different
T-shaped people are built differently on managing conflicts from other characteristics, which leads them to value more on creating a solution. T-Shaped people have the ability, talent, and nous to succeed when the only constant is change itself.
The connector Innovators
T-shaped are able to perform and visualize their ideas in their work immediately. As they hold both skills, the percentage of misconception (sharing concepts from a generalist to a specialist may be difficult) could be reduced.
T-shaped also has the capability to bridge gaps between unrelated fields, enabling the discovery of new opportunities and solutions that wouldn’t emerge otherwise.
High comprehension of diversity
T-shaped individuals naturally foster inclusivity and shared understanding because their broad knowledge allows them to appreciate diverse viewpoints. This trait in organizational culture is crucial in global teams where effective communication and understanding are as important as technical skills.
Have deep expertise and vision
Besides their excellence in their niche, their broad knowledge base equips them to grasp how various parts of a system interact—whether it’s a business process, a supply chain, or a tech ecosystem.
The organizational safety net
After the arguments I provided above, it can be concluded that T-shaped provides flexibility, adaptability, and an understanding across fields that enable companies to survive and thrive in an unpredictable world.
How to be a T-shape to survive in the workforce
Everyone could be a T-shaped. Becoming a T-shaped professional helps you thrive in a dynamic environment that demands continuous learning and adaptation. It also opens up opportunities to specialize in multiple fields while also paving the way to develop as an independent professional. Here are some less conventional methods to build T-shaped skills:
Preserved a growth mindset
Based on digitalcoach from Stanford University psychologist and researcher Carol Dweck, a growth mindset in the environment is an ability to de-structure a solution in order to acquire and integrate new knowledge.
Contemplate your expertise choice
One may have to consider what their interest leads to. After considering it, one may able to learn in depth on their choice of expertise. After that, learn about the different types of jobs that exist and are in demand in the labor workforce.
Initiate collaboration Across Disciplines
You can consider pairing up with someone from another field, aiming to flip the power dynamic and encourage learning from others’ perspectives.
For instance, if you’re in tech, learn from someone in marketing or design. Their perspective can challenge your assumptions and expose you to new ways of thinking.
Visualize the work system
You can try to process the system outside your area of expertise, such as the workflow in a supply chain or the customer journey in e-commerce.
By a diagram or flowchart, you are forced to comprehend outside your expertise. Therefore, this helps you find a broader understanding of complex interactions.
Contribute yourself
In a project or event that brings diverse disciplines together, you may want to contribute in these types of areas that you’re less familiar with. This helps you to experiment, fail, and grow outside your primary expertise.
Challenge Assumptions in Public Discussions
Nearly the same as the previous one, you can try to join forums, online debates, or panels where you discuss topics slightly outside your expertise.
By trying to contribute, you could be the voice that connects others. Besides that, this exposes you to real-time feedback and pushes you to think critically about new areas.
Play (Strategy-Based) Games
Playing games such as chess, civilization, or collaborative role-playing games, hone both your analytical (depth) and interpersonal (breadth) skills in a fun way. Therefore, these games force you to think long-term, consider trade-offs, and collaborate with others.
Conclusion
The concept of T-shaped professionals represents an ideal balance between depth and breadth of skills, making them valuable in today’s dynamic workforce.
T-shaped individuals combine the adaptability and versatility of generalists with the focused expertise of specialists. This unique combination enables them to thrive in complex environments, bridging gaps between disciplines, fostering innovation, and driving effective collaboration.
This duality positions T-shaped professionals as organizational safety nets, capable of adapting to changes, fostering inclusivity, and delivering innovative solutions.
In a world increasingly influenced by AI and rapid change, T-shaped starts to become incumbent, why? T-shaped professionals have a higher chance of “survival” in the workforce due to their versatility. They excel at managing conflicts between different mindsets, reducing misconceptions, and uncovering opportunities through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Moreover, their ability to visualize systems and connect diverse perspectives makes them essential for companies aiming to thrive in unpredictable environments.
Becoming a T-shaped professional requires efforts, including adopting a growth mindset, collaborating across disciplines, and engaging in activities that challenge assumptions.
By developing a balance of depth and breadth, T-shaped not only enhances their employability but also contributes to creating resilient, innovative organizations prepared to tackle the complexities of the dynamic, modern world.