Deep Or Wide - Do You Have The Right Skills For The Environment You Are In?
During my recent visit to Tulsa, where I spent a weekend with my daughter, an unexpected storm of unprecedented intensity struck in the dead of night, unleashing winds that reached a speed of 100 mph. The storm's ferocity caused a power outage, and unfortunately, my son-in-law's car fell victim to a fallen tree limb. As the morning arrived, we were greeted by utter destruction. Fallen trees obstructed half of the streets, and countless houses and vehicles bore the weight of branches and uprooted trees.
In this chaos, I discovered a fascinating phenomenon that caught my attention: the fallen trees revealed their root balls, and what surprised me was the shallow nature of their roots. I couldn't help but wonder how such massive trees could possess such superficial root systems. My curiosity led me to delve deeper into the matter, and I soon learned that this particular tree species had a wide but shallow network of roots. Consequently, when confronted with the forceful winds, their roots lacked the necessary depth to provide stability, ultimately resulting in their toppling. These trees were simply not accustomed to enduring 100 mph winds; hence, their root systems had evolved to prioritize breadth over depth, adapting to handle the rainfall and drier conditions instead.
This intriguing revelation sparked a multitude of analogies in my mind, yet I will focus on one that bears relevance to the audience: business professionals. As a talent professional myself, I am no stranger to the age-old debate surrounding the merits of specialization versus generalization in a job. Many individuals gravitate towards cultivating various skills and adopting a generalist approach, relishing the opportunity to engage in diverse tasks daily. On the other hand, some recognize the value of delving deep into their chosen field, immersing themselves in knowledge and expertise. Both paths can yield remarkable results, but it is crucial to consider the environment in which they are applied.
Just as these trees require a wide-reaching root system to thrive in their particular ecosystem, professionals must assess the context in which their skills will be utilized. In certain situations, such as dynamic and ever-evolving industries, versatility and a broad skill set may be highly advantageous. Adapting swiftly to changing circumstances and taking on diverse responsibilities can prove invaluable in such environments. However, some fields demand an in-depth understanding and mastery of specialized knowledge. Industries that rely on intricate technical expertise or complex problem-solving require individuals who have invested time and effort in honing their skills to a profound level.
In essence, the tale of the shallow-rooted trees offers us an essential lesson: the need to align our skills and the environment in which we operate. The key lies in recognizing the industry's demands, the organization's dynamics, and the work's nature. By doing so, talent professionals can chart a course that maximizes their impact and enables them to flourish in their chosen domain.
As we consider the fallen trees in Tulsa because of their root systems after facing an unanticipated storm, let us reflect on our approach to talent development. I encourage you to consider how to adapt our shallow or deep-rooted skills to the ever-changing winds of the professional landscape. By striking the right balance between breadth and depth, we can position ourselves as formidable forces capable of weathering any storm that comes our way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Lupinacci spent the last 25 years at some of the world's best-known companies, such as Intel Corporation and Kimberly-Clark. His career spans key executive roles such as Chief Learning Officer, Chief Talent Officer, and Chief Integration Officer. After a successful corporate career, Jeff turned his focus to his true passion—serving the overworked and under-resourced HR profession.
Beyond his corporate success, Jeff is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, with his insights featured in leading publications such as CFO Europe, Nikkei Business Magazine, and Baylor Business Review. In addition to his business leadership, Jeff is an adjunct professor at Baylor University, where he teaches Human Capital Management for the Executive MBA program and leads the HR Strategy and Analytics capstone for undergraduates.
Jeff is the best-selling author of The Talent Advantage: A CEO’s Journey to Discover the Value of Talent. He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and two doodles.