Generalists ARE Experts

This week, I spoke with three absolutely amazing and interesting humans, all are having significant impact. One is an Executive Director of a non-profit, one is a volunteer coordinator, and one is solopreneur launching a new business. 

Imposter Syndrome can hide in plain sight. 

Over our individual conversations, there came a moment when they each made a point to tell me that they are “just generalists”, and don’t have as much speciific expertise as others.

4 questions for you:

1. Do you think of yourself as an “expert” or “just a generalist”? 
2. If the latter, is there a voice in your head that thinks that somehow you are “less than?”
3. Are you concerned that your many different jobs –perhaps even in different industry’s – are going to be viewed as “red flags” when talking with others?
4. In introductions, do you find yourself having to choose which aspect of your life/career to lead with – depending on the setting?

A Resource

In this past blog, I share how revealing your “Evidence of Impact” enables you to create an effective way to communicate the common threads that tie all parts of you together.

In many industries, “Generalist” has earned a negative connotation, while being an expert is perceived to have high value.  And yet, there are numerous studies that show that (in general!) Generalists excel in leadership roles due to their multi-tasking abilities, ability to see the big picture and create broader context, and their ability to help groups of people create success.

An Invitation

Therefore, if you believe you are a Generalist (which, by the way, I am, and – as it turns out – most of my amazing clients are), here’s something that may help:

1. Determine why you believe you are a Generalist
2. Take stock of the impact you create / love creating, and then
3. Find the words to communicate that.
4. Use those words to describe what you (really) do, why you do it, and how.
5. Embrace that as a Generalist, you are actually also an Expert in knowing how you create the impact you do!
6. And of course, continue to be a life-long learner, gaining important knowledge, expertise, and experience.

—> The IMPACT you know how to create IS expertise. The fact that you can create that impact in multiple areas is a superpower! <—

To your success,

Kathryn

Your Next Chapter Coach
Creator of The Career (Life!) Breakthrough AcademyTM

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I coach people to break out of cycles of frustration and indecision and curate lives of impact and clarity of purpose – with ease, joy and financial sustainability.

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