> One of the great disservices done by modern e...
# randoma
acceptable-flag-71699
06/26/2019, 6:18 PMOne of the great disservices done by modern education is that it programs us to worry about fixing our weaknesses not doubling down on our strengths@loud-glass-33663 This boils down to what your definition of success is, and whether that is better served by being a generalist or a specialist. I'm willing to defend the case for being a generalist (which requires fixing our weaknesses and not just doubling down on your strengths). As the saying goes, specialization is for insects. 😄
l
loud-glass-33663
06/27/2019, 3:05 AM😊 Ah. I think I am missing some context. Did I imply that?
You bring up a good point though. Though I think I am a jack-of-all engineer who can be a generalist, I would still say I am a specialised Computer Engineer — knowing almost nothing about mechanical or civil stuff. 🤷
So I think there are definitely levels of being a generalist vs specialist. I am actually a strong supporter of doubling down on strengths vs trying to fix your weaknesses. (Given the limited time & resources we have, I think that moves the needle substantially compared to trying to improve your weaknesses to be average at something).
The trick is to collaborate with people who are good at things you suck at (and bad at things you are good at) to really get the 10x results and build something of value.
👍 5
s
swift-pilot-25722
06/27/2019, 6:00 AMGaryV has been saying the same for years, Focus on strengths and outsource the rest!
a
acceptable-flag-71699
06/27/2019, 9:56 AMImagine if Apple had done that.
acceptable-flag-71699
06/27/2019, 9:58 AMIf we're talking about economic success, then the first rule of market is that any strategy that consistently gives superior returns, soon stops working. Which means, generalists will create opportunity for specialists, and vice-versa.
But, my point was about defining success in a broader sense. Financial success is good, but we care about other things too.
4 Views