Why Generalists are the Secret Weapon for Startup Success

Startups that hire generalists have a higher chance of success.

So, you're building your dream startup, and it's time to assemble your A-team. But you're not looking for just any ordinary specialists; you're searching for the coveted generalists. You know, those multi-talented individuals who can wear many hats and thrive in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of startups.

"Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people." - Steve Jobs

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of hiring generalists, let's first understand why they're critical for your startup. In the early stages, resources are limited, and agility is key. Generalists can quickly adapt to new roles and responsibilities, making them invaluable assets. Now that we're on the same page, let's explore how to find and attract these versatile professionals.

Advantages of hiring generalists for an early stage startup

• Generalists are versatile and adaptable. They can wear multiple hats and take on a variety of tasks, which is crucial for a startup that may not have the resources to hire specialists for every role. This flexibility allows generalists to pivot and adjust to changing business needs, making them valuable assets in an early stage startup. Generalists can help startups pivot and adjust their business strategy more easily.
• Hiring generalists can also save a startup money. Instead of hiring multiple specialists, a generalist can handle a variety of tasks, reducing the need for additional hires. This can be especially beneficial for startups that are operating on a tight budget and need to make every dollar count.
• Generalists can bring a fresh perspective to a startup. They may not have a deep understanding of a specific area, but they can bring a broad range of knowledge and experience from different fields. This can lead to innovative solutions and ideas that a specialist may not have considered.
• Finally, hiring generalists can help a startup scale. As the company grows, there will be a need for more specialized roles. Generalists can help bridge the gap during this transition period, taking on additional responsibilities until the startup is ready to hire specialists. This can help the company avoid the need for a complete overhaul of its staffing structure as it grows.

Disadvantages of hiring generalists for a startup

When it comes to hiring generalists for your startup, it's important to consider the potential downsides as well. While generalists can be a valuable asset, they may not always be the perfect fit for every situation. Let's dive into some of the disadvantages that you should be aware of: 

• Less specialized expertise: Generalists, by definition, have a broad range of skills and knowledge, but they may lack the deep expertise that specialists possess. This can be a drawback when your startup needs a specific skill set to tackle a complex problem or to develop a specialized product.
• Higher training costs: Since generalists often require more training to get up to speed in a specific area, startups may end up investing more time and resources in their development. This can slow down the overall progress and growth of the company.
• Difficulty in managing expectations: Generalists may have a hard time figuring out their exact role in the startup, as their responsibilities may shift frequently. This can lead to confusion and frustration for both the generalist and the management team.
• Possible skill gaps: Relying solely on generalists can leave gaps in your team's skill set. These gaps can become problematic if your startup encounters a challenge that requires specific expertise that your generalists don't possess.

In conclusion, while generalists offer numerous benefits to startups, it's crucial to weigh the potential disadvantages before making a hiring decision. Striking a balance between generalists and specialists in your team can help you navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the startup journey more effectively.

Interview questions to ask a generalist candidate

When interviewing a generalist candidate, it's important to ask a variety of questions that highlight their diverse skill set, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability. Here are some engaging questions to help you uncover the best generalist for your startup: 

• Tell us about a time when you had to wear multiple hats in a project or role. How did you manage the workload and prioritize tasks? This question helps you understand their ability to multitask and take on different responsibilities, which is crucial for a generalist.
• What would you do if you were asked to solve a problem outside of your area of expertise? This question will showcase the candidate's resourcefulness and ability to learn new skills on the fly, a valuable trait for a generalist in a startup environment.
• Can you describe a situation where you had to work with a team of specialists? How did you contribute to the project's success? As generalists often collaborate with experts, their ability to effectively communicate and work with others is essential.

Don't forget to dig deeper into their responses. Ask follow-up questions to gather more insight into their problem-solving process and adaptability. You can also use a critical thinking test to test their aptitude before hiring them. A generalist's ability to think on their feet and embrace new challenges is vital to a startup's success, so be sure to gauge their enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the interview.

Common misconceptions about hiring generalists

One of the most common misconceptions about hiring generalists is that they're merely "jacks of all trades, masters of none." In reality, generalists bring a unique blend of skills and adaptability that can be invaluable for startups. Let's debunk some other myths surrounding generalists: 

• Myth 1: Generalists are not experts in any field. While it's true that generalists have a diverse skill set, they often possess deep expertise in one or more areas, making them extremely valuable team members.
• Myth 2: Generalists can't keep up with specialists. In fact, generalists are often more adaptable and can quickly learn new skills, which is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of a startup.
• Myth 3: Generalists lack commitment to a specific field. Generalists are not simply indecisive; their broad skill set allows them to contribute to multiple aspects of a company, fostering innovation and efficient problem-solving.

Now that we've set the record straight, let's explore how to effectively recruit these versatile talents for your startup.

What are some examples of successful startups that have hired generalists?

Let's take a stroll down the memory lane of successful startups that made the wise decision to hire generalists, and how they reaped the benefits of this strategic move. These shining examples will surely help you understand the value generalists can bring to your own startup. 

1. Airbnb

When Airbnb was in its infancy, the founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia sought out generalists to help them navigate the challenges of their burgeoning business. These multi-talented individuals were instrumental in developing everything from marketing strategies to customer service protocols, ultimately contributing to Airbnb's meteoric rise. 

2. Slack 

Another shining example is Slack, the popular workplace communication tool. Founder Stewart Butterfield is a self-proclaimed generalist himself, and he filled his early team with individuals who possessed a wide range of skills. This allowed Slack to quickly adapt to the market and become the go-to platform for team collaboration. 

3. Tesla 

Under the leadership of famed generalist Elon Musk, Tesla has built a team of versatile and adaptable employees who are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. This approach has been essential in propelling Tesla to the forefront of electric vehicle technology and renewable energy solutions. 

These successful startups demonstrate the immense value that generalists can bring to the table. By incorporating a diverse range of skills and expertise, these companies were able to navigate the uncertain waters of their respective industries and emerge as market leaders.