I’m a Jack ________
of all trades. That’s what you were thinking too right?
Information is everywhere. You can find anything out if you take the time to look for it. I really get a kick out of finding a subject or a task and researching/learning about it. I spend a good deal of my free time teaching myself new things like playing the guitar, hypnosis, or 5 different ways to tie my shoes. Even my work lends it self to constantly researching information and learning new things. As great as it is to have this breadth of knowledge, it has a downside. I’m not an expert at any of these things.
Jack of all trades, master of none is how I believe the saying goes. Not a new idea, but what I’ve been wondering is; is this a good thing? Is it better to be ‘well rounded’ or to continually develop one particular skill? Now I know that this isn’t black and white and that there are usually multiple disciplines involved in every field, so I’m just asking on which side would you err?
I think its my personality/nature that leads me toward the breadth rather than the depth of knowledge. Once I reach the point of comprehension I’m ready to move to the next thing. It is almost painful for me to reach the ‘expert’ level. I like to go just deep enough to engage in a substantial way.
This scenario raises some questions in my mind. What effect does this have on my commitment? How does this change my process for learning? What are the strength areas here that I can focus on?
Great question. I’ve gone relatively “deep” in data communications (networking, phones, etc.) because those areas are the most interesting to me. But I’ve also taken time to learn to make sushi, travel a lot, learn other cultures, shoot 9-ball, cheat at euchre, etc.
I don’t think is an “either / or” situation.
I think you should “dive deep” in your “hedgehog principle” thing – especially if you are a Christ follower. You are made to do something – so do it – and do it to the “full.”
But, you are also a social / learning person. That’s the “breadth” situation.
As for me – I’ve chosen one “area” to dive deep in – and I’m consistently (constantly?) looking for new areas to learn surface (and maybe a little deeper) things in.
Thanks for asking the question. Makes you think.
Same here. I think that Church IT attracts guys like us because we are usually required to be a “Jack of All IT Trades”. I enjoy the learning of new information but if I don’t get to use it, I get bored with it and move on.