The saying “jack of all trades, master of none” gives generalists a bad rap. But being a jack of all trades can be a powerful asset in the modern workplace. Fast-paced, continuously evolving work environments require versatility and adaptability – and employers are starting to realize that. 

“For example, this year, there have been mass layoffs, and employers prefer to retain candidates who can help with various tasks around the workplace. So, I believe generalists will become more sought after in the next year and beyond,” says Adrienne Couch, a Human Resources Analyst at LLC.services. 

The benefits of being a jack of all trades 

Will Yang, Head of Growth at institutional fundraising platform Instrumentl, agrees: “I definitely see generalists being more sought after in the years to come. While being a specialist ensures your expertise in one area, being a generalist means you have knowledge dabbling in several broad topics, which widens your perspective and [makes you a better problem-solver].” 

So, jack of all trades are strong problem-solvers – and they are also better leaders in today’s world and business landscape, where, as Couch puts it, “new challenges always arise.” 

The pandemic was a case study of the importance of being able to operate in uncertain environments. “There is a growing belief that new models of leadership are needed to handle increasing complexity; fast-paced, disruptive change; and the paradoxical challenges they pose,” according to a recent study that revealed that versatile leadership is crucial in times of crisis. 

This means that being a jack of all trades is going to come with all sorts of career benefits in the next few years. As a generalist, Yang says that people will be seeking your opinions, which means you will be more likely to get noticed and promoted. “You’ll stand out in your workplace. Being a generalist ensures that you can collaborate and work with more people— giving you more recognition along the way,” he says. 

You’ll also be known as a learner and valued for your growth mindset. “Generalists are known to venture into unexplored areas. Even if you’re not good at something at first, your initiative to learn and improve your skills speaks for itself,” adds Yang.  

Not to mention the career flexibility that comes with being able to wear different hats. “Should you want to change your career, you can easily do so, while a specialist might need to go back and learn new skills to successfully undergo a switch,” says Couch. 

Increasing your impact as a jack of all trades 

Ready to make the most of your adaptability, growth mindset and leadership skills? Offer to help and aim to learn and grow in the process – success will follow. “The best way to lean into your strength as a jack of all trades is to take initiative,” says Yang. “Whether it’s help needed for a project in a different department, a conference you’ve been invited to, or even just an opportunity to socialize and expand your network, take the initiative to learn as much as you can from the opportunities given to you.” 

“For a greater impact, always offer help, even outside of your area of expertise. As a generalist, you see everything as interconnected and interdependent and can help all around the workplace,” adds Couch. “Helping solve problems across departments is something you can easily do and use to create a greater impact at the workplace.” 

If you’re a leader with brilliant generalists on your team, there are things you can do to make the most of their strengths, too. “Leaders can ensure they make the most of the jack of all trades on their team by using their analytical skills. When new challenges present themselves, leaders should consult the jack of all trades and pick their brains on what they think the best solution would be and why,” recommends Couch. 

Are there openings for leadership roles on your team? Consider promoting a jack of all trades over a subject matter expert. It can also be helpful to offer leadership development programs and other professional development opportunities to team members, as jack of all trades will be jumping on the occasion to maximize their potential – and your organization will benefit from their growth and the contributions that come with it.