T-Shaped

Definition: A generalist-specialist hybrid; broad, “horizontal” knowledge across multiple disciplines and deep “vertical” expertise in at least one subject area.

Relates to: Integrate and Co-Create

DEVELOPMENT SUGGESTIONS

1. Encourage staff to learn about different disciplines within the organization through formal and informal professional development. This can include shadowing, reading or watching educational videos, taking courses, or attending conferences.
2. When hiring, look for candidates who have a history of seeking knowledge outside their basic domains.
3. Give staff the opportunity to use and further develop this attribute by giving them multi-disciplinary tasks.
4. Include developing broader knowledge as well as specialized expertise in professional development plans.

RESOURCES

• T-shaped skills in every area of your life
• Succeeding through service innovation: A service perspective for education, research, business and government
• Bridging the Gap to the Future by Investing in T-Shaped Professional Development
• Introducing T-Shaped Managers: Knowledge Management’s Next Generation