T-Shaped Skills
Having deep expertise in one area combined with broad knowledge across multiple fields.
Also known as: T Shape, T-shaped knowledge, T-shaped professional
Category: Concepts
Tags: learning, careers, skills, expertise, personal-growth
Explanation
T-shaped skills describe a professional profile where someone has deep expertise in one specialty (the vertical bar of the T) combined with broad knowledge across multiple disciplines (the horizontal bar). This contrasts with I-shaped specialists who only have depth, or generalists who only have breadth. The T-shape enables professionals to excel in their core domain while effectively collaborating with experts from other fields, bridging communication gaps, and making unexpected connections. For knowledge workers, developing T-shaped skills means maintaining mastery in a primary area while continuously exploring adjacent fields. This approach creates career flexibility, enhances problem-solving through cross-pollination of ideas, and positions individuals as valuable connectors within organizations.
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