No. 166 · Work · Human Nature and Judgement
Generalist vs Specialists
Breadth helps you adapt; depth helps you excel. The mix depends on your world.
In the Almanac
“Leonardo’s notebooks”, c. 1490–1519 · “Keyence”, 1974–2020s
Both stories in full, three ways to use it and where it misleads.
Get the AlmanacListen · Watch
Questions
What is Generalist vs Specialists?
This model weighs breadth against depth. Generalists connect ideas across fields and adapt quickly to change. Specialists master the details and solve hard problems that demand precision. Each has strengths, and each has costs.
How do you use Generalist vs Specialists?
To use it, ask how fast your world is changing and how much depth your problem needs. Build a T-shaped skill set, bring in specialists for complex decisions, and mix both types on your teams.
When does Generalist vs Specialists matter?
Generalist vs Specialists is one of the 43 mental models for work, the situations where you ask: How do I get the right things done? Within that, it belongs to “Building skill”, alongside Comparative Advantage, Deliberate Practice and Divergent Thinking vs Convergent Thinking.
What is an example of Generalist vs Specialists?
Two stories show it at work: Leonardo’s notebooks (c. 1490–1519) and Keyence (1974–2020s). Both are told in full in The Mental Models Daily Almanac, which has two stories for each of its 365 models.
Which mental models are related to Generalist vs Specialists?
Specialisation, Foxes vs Hedgehogs and Circle of Competence. Generalist vs Specialists itself comes from human nature and judgement.