“Jack of all trades, master of none” is often used as a put down, but actually the full statement is: “Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one!”
So, the true meaning is that being able to adapt and be good at many things is actually much better than being great at just one thing and average at everything else.
Having amassed over 25 years’ experience working on a wide variety of projects for an eclectic mix of businesses, I have developed expertise in several different specialisms, and I am very proud of that fact – it’s what makes me unique!
Developing a range of experiences and knowledge gives me something that experts in one particular field may lack – namely, objectivity and an understanding of the ‘bigger picture’. I believe that being able to see how things fit together gives me a huge advantage, and in these challenging times this perspective is critical in leadership and my role as President of Dorset Chamber.
The argument about being specialist vs a generalist is a common one, but unless you or your business is truly the greatest in one field, then be more like me or Jack!