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Generalists: The Secret Weapon Your Startup Needs

Authors
  • Name
    Callum van den Enden
    Twitter

Overview

This article explores the increasing importance of generalists in today's startups, providing actionable tips for identifying, attracting, and integrating this versatile talent into your team.

The Rise of the Generalist

Right, let's talk about generalists. Sifted’s Startup Life newsletter (sign up, it's good stuff) featured Milly Tamati, founder of Generalist World, and she hit the nail on the head: our current work system is built for specialists, a hangover from the Industrial Revolution. But startups? We're not about assembly lines. We need people who can wear multiple hats, juggle flaming torches, and still find time to make a decent cuppa. (Priorities, people.)

That's where the generalist comes in. They're the connectors, the synthesisers, the ones who see the bigger picture. They're not necessarily experts in one specific area, but they’re adaptable, quick learners, and can jump in wherever needed. Sound like someone you could use on your team? Thought so.

Finding Your Unicorn (Without the Horn)

You're not looking for someone who can do everything (though wouldn't that be nice?). The key is identifying the right mix of skills. Think skill stacks not skill lists. Can they connect seemingly unrelated problems? Can they learn quickly? These are your gold nuggets.

Here's what to look for:

  • Evidence of Connecting Unrelated Problems: Look for examples where they’ve taken different bits of information and mashed them together to create something new. This shows they can think outside the box. (Which is less of a box and more of a wildly expanding nebula in the startup world).

  • Speed of Learning: Experience is great, but adaptability is essential. Look for evidence of rapid learning. Did they teach themselves Python in a weekend to build a prototype? That's the kind of hustle we're talking about.

  • Pattern Recognition and Synthesis: Can they see the forest for the trees? (Or the MVP for the feature requests?) This is crucial for spotting opportunities and avoiding pitfalls.

The Interview: Beyond the CV

Traditional CVs might not tell the whole story with generalists. Their experience is likely to be diverse and non-linear. That’s not a bug, it’s a feature! So, ditch the standard interview script and try this:

  1. Test Problem-Solving: Throw them some curveballs. "We just lost a key client, what are your first 48 hours?" See how they think on their feet.

  2. Assess Practical Skills: Ask about specific situations. "How have you helped non-technical stakeholders understand technical debt?" This digs into their real-world experience.

  3. Evaluate Growth Impact: "Tell me about a process you built that scaled well." This shows their ability to create lasting value.

Red Flags: Proceed with Caution

  • Vague Impact: If they can’t quantify their achievements with metrics and specific examples, be wary.
  • Rigid Thinking: Generalists need to be flexible. If they only operate with clear direction, they might struggle in a fast-paced startup environment.
  • Blame Game: Look for folks who own their mistakes and learn from them. Passing the buck is a no-go.
  • Short-Term Focus: Quick fixes are tempting, but sustainable solutions are what really matters.
  • Tech Blindness: Business problems often require more than just technical solutions. Look for a balanced approach.

Hunting Grounds: Where the Generalists Roam

Forget generic LinkedIn job postings. These folks are often hidden gems. Think:

  • Cross-functional roles: Product Ops, Growth Teams, Strategic Projects – these are breeding grounds for generalist talent.
  • Fast-growing startups: Look for early employees who’ve worn many hats.
  • Side hustlers: People building internal tools, systems, or personal projects are often natural generalists.
  • Ex-founders: Don't overlook this valuable pool! They’ve seen it all and done most of it.

Setting Your Generalist Up for Success

Hiring a generalist and then sticking them in a specialist role is like buying a sports car and only driving it to the grocery store. (What a waste!) Give them the freedom to work across boundaries, and make sure leadership is on board with this approach.

Measure their success based on their overall impact, not just within a single function. Reward them for system improvements and cross-functional contributions.

Final Thoughts

Generalists are the unsung heroes of the startup world. They're the glue that holds everything together, the adaptable minds that drive innovation. If you're looking to build a truly agile and resilient team, prioritize generalist talent. You won't regret it. (And they might even make you a decent cuppa or fix the wifi in the process.)