The world needs generalists

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October 5, 2023 - It’s my birthday, which means it is my annual day to (1) give thanks that I’ve lived another 365 days, and (2) reflect on where my life is at. 

Over the years I’ve sometimes lamented the fact that I have never dived deeply enough into a specific part of my career to become an expert.

Today however, I have decided to make peace with being a generalist. I’ve reflected that over the past seven days I have:

* Officiated at the wedding of a fabulous couple.
* Attended the funeral of a fascinating 95-year-old who I wrote a book for, and about.
* Delivered a comprehensive research report and engagement plan to a client.
* Chaired the governance committee of an NFP Board I sit on.
* Accepted an invitation to be on a grants decision panel.
* Planned the weekend menu based on my recent immersive Irish cooking course.

When I was a journalist, I used to say that I could speak eloquently and factually about just about any topic in the world ... for approximately two minutes. Now I think I've probably got eight to 10 minutes of solid information in me, about anything and everything!

So while I’m never going to be asked to appear in court as a subject matter expert, and I still don’t have a succinct answer when the kids ask, “so what do you actually do, Mum?” I’m happy to be a Jill-of-all-trades. 

Or, being a wordy nerdy, I’m also a factotum, pantologist or polymath! Generalists of the world - unite!

#generalists #careergoals

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