Let's get one thing straight from the get go, polymathy is a lifelong process, and a person can't become one overnight.
HOWEVER, I wanted to create a post showing the potentials, and more importantly the benefits of polymathy in the work place.
Being Polymathic is something you can certainly do, and perhaps you already have one or two multidisciplinary people on your team already!
(You may not even know it)
What does it mean?
A polymath is someone with many deep areas of knowledge. Which is a super limited description, and there are some great researchers aiming to figure out what does it mean to be a polymath. For this short post let's look at the multidisciplinary aspect of it all.
Meaning when someone has 3 or more disciplines they are often referred to as a Jack/Jill of All Trades. That could be the case, but more often than not it is used in a derogatory way.
"Jack of all trades, master of none.... but oftentimes better than a master of one."
"You have multiple skills and abilities? You must be a master of none of them, as you spread yourself too thin." That is usually the train of thought used in this context, and it is terrible because not only do you limit the person's abilities being used in your work environment. What is worse is sometimes it stifles them so bad they default to being a specialist.
Ironically a polymath IS a multi-expert, and is a specialist in those various fields.
There is nothing wrong with specialism, except when someone who is naturally polymathic is forced into it.
This post is made for employers and CEO's who care about their employees, and what to bring out the best in them.
Whether it is project management, holding multiple positions (something I did quite a lot in my early years of employment well), or just acknowledging they have more to offer.
When someone has multiple trades or skills, it doesn't mean they are entry level!
Although I guess it also doesn't mean they are an expert either. Just that you shouldn't count someone out without first finding how how deep their knowledge IS in their chosen fields.
I am passionate about this because people always tell me you can only niche down as a creator. If you don't then you are wasting your time, but I have been building my brand in multiple ways. It is how we market ourselves as polymathic people that matters.
Look in your company for "unicorns" or "T-shaped" people that could be used in a much more multidisciplinary way. Encourage their dabbling/experimentation, and sow the seeds for a much happier and productive employee!
Over the course of your company's growth, I am sure there has been people who wear multiple hats. Just to get the company off the ground even, and maybe you had to do it yourself too.
I just need you to realize the importance, and the amount of growth you're leaving on the table. By not embracing the polymathic people on your team.
If you want to keep reading:
Dustin Miller | PolyInnovator
Previous Shorter Version:
This was one of my "social articles", an experiment to create medium sized blog posts, akin to newsletters. Across a variety of social blogging networking platforms. Such as Medium, and Linkedin. Since it didn't quite land; I decided to take these posts and remake them into more full length creations.
Dustin Miller - PolyInnovator
