Most companies in the mid-sized business sector today find themselves facing overlapping strategic challenges. Structural imbalances arise simultaneously in several key areas – such as personnel, technology and customer expectations.
In such circumstances, not only are non-standard solutions needed for developing strategy and tactics, but also people who will ensure the implementation of these solutions into reality. This must be why the number of references to terms like “T-shaped” and “M-shaped” specialists, which are part of the concept of T-shaped skills, has noticeably increased in professional communities and on expert platforms.
This concept represents a set of human skills in the shape of the letter T. It implies professional training that provides a specialist with deep knowledge in their chosen field, while allowing them to expand their competencies in related areas.
Earlier references can be found in the 1980s, when the term "T-shaped man" was used internally by McKinsey & Company for recruiting and developing consultants and partners, both male and female. However, the concept was first widely introduced by Tim Brown, CEO of the design firm IDEO, in 1991. Since then, it has spread across all industries to generate innovation and ensure cross-industry collaboration. The idea of T-shaped skills encourages professionals to excel in their specialized areas while also gaining knowledge in other fields.
According to the concept of T-shaped skills, all employees are categorized into shapes: I, T and then M, based on how they build professional expertise.
Each type focuses on a different type of development:
I - develops in depth ;
T - also develops in depth, but acquires additional areas of expertise;
M - synthesizes areas of knowledge and adapts them to specific tasks, developing in breadth.
So, let's take a closer look:
I-person: This individual possesses one main skill and is an expert in that area, such as mobile analytics.
T-person: T-shaped specialists have deep skills and knowledge in one area, as well as breadth, allowing them to collaborate across disciplines and apply knowledge beyond their core area.
They can effectively contribute, support, and solve problems for the team, enhancing overall productivity. They are not niche specialists, enabling them to tackle the company's business tasks. By understanding the value that the task brings to the business, T-shaped specialists can view problems holistically and propose solutions that achieve goals faster and more cost-effectively.
M-person: This individual combines two or three professions with well-developed soft skills. They possesss mastery in two or three main areas, such as software development, marketing, and design. These interdisciplinary professionals have both technical knowledge and cognitive skills, such as emotional intelligence and creativity. Their extensive knowledge enables them to collaborate effectively with various teams and contribute to multidisciplinary projects.
M-shaped specialists excel where product creation intersects professional fields, enabling them to unify colleagues and approach problems from multiple perspectives. They are often found in small companies or startups, where individuals must combine several roles - such as researcher, product manager, and methodologist. This versatility gives the company advantages, as the employee can cover multiple tasks.
Advantages of M-shaped specialists:
Adaptability: M-shaped specialists thrive in dynamic environments with constant change. Their diverse skills enable them to transition between roles and responsibilities, making them invaluable assets to organizations.
Collaborative Problem Solving: Their ability to draw from various disciplines fosters teamwork, bridging gaps between departments and leading to innovative solutions.
Increased Innovation: Cross-pollination of ideas encourages creativity. M-shaped professionals can identify connections that others may overlook, leading to unique problem solving approaches.
Promising Careers: In evolving industries, a versatile skill set makes M-shaped professionals more resilient to labor market changes, increasing job security.
Enhanced Leadership Potential: Their broad knowledge provides a holistic view of business operations, making them well-suited for leadership roles that require strategic thinking.
Downsides of being an M-shaped professional:
Identity Confusion: M-shaped professionals may struggle to define their professional identity. In environments that value specialization, they may find it challenging to communicate their value effectively.
Overwhelmed by Diversity: A wide range of skills can lead to an overwhelming workload, especially in roles requiring multiple functions. Without effective role transition, burnout may result from constant changes and difficulty focusing.
Difficulty Advancing: Some organizations prioritize depth over breadth, which may hinder M-shaped professionals’ advancement unless their contributions are recognized.
Balancing Focus: M-shaped professionals may find it challenging to allocate their time effectively across multiple areas, potentially reducing their effectiveness in any one area.
Inflated self-esteem: M-shaped individuals may develop inflated self-esteem and expectations due to their simultaneous engagement in multiple areas. They might perceive themselves as «super-specialists», which can lead to unrealistic self-assessments.
Conclusion
M-shaped professionals embody the versatility needed in today’s fast-paced work environment. By integrating diverse skills and knowledge, they are well-equipped to solve complex problems and foster innovation. With their unique perspectives, M-shaped professionals are critical in collaborative projects.
As organizations increasingly recognize the value of adaptive talent, M-shaped specialists are likely to play a critical role in shaping the future of work, driving collaboration and facilitating creative solutions across industries.
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