A long standing adage is “One thing at a time and that done well”.  Even more important is the historical focus on shaping careers towards specialization.

Indeed, those who would go against the tide of specialization will be warned about the risk of becoming “jack of all trades” – without being the master of any.

I have noticed that using the D-I-S-C Framework, individuals who are Reserved tend to be more convinced that specialization is the ideal strategy. Persons favoring the Outgoing orientation are more willing to explore multiple opportunities.

Individuals favoring the I-style are widely discriminated against. The face a glass ceiling with respect to the levels of management that they can attain. They are routinely criticized for a lack of focus and the failure to “stick to one thing.”

Now this article bravely advocates that focused specialization is not a good idea. Read more…