Multipotentiality vs. Hyper-Specialization
Photo by Edward Jenner: https://www.pexels.com/photo/multiple-overlay-patterns-of-colorful-design-4252668/
If you have multiple interests, there is nothing wrong with you! In fact, there is a unique term made to describe individuals like you: multipotentialite. A multipotentialite is someone with many interests and creative pursuits [1]. Someone with the capability to excel in more than one field.
Specialization gained increased value in the 17th and 18th centuries. With an increase in the world population, new economic and political structures, and rapid advancement in science and technology, more specific fields were created and a more specialized workforce was needed. If you think about it, being a multipotentialite is not really a new concept. Before the 17th century, being what was called a polymath or a Renaissance person was more prevalent. For example, a renaissance scientist who was a mathematician, philosopher, and perhaps physician at the same time.
In today’s world, while we are moving towards more specialization or hyper-specialization, we are also entering an era, where continuous learning and pursuing multiple passions seem possible. With online access to diverse contents, ease of learning new subjects, and remote work option, pursuing multiple paths simultaneously is once again becoming feasible.
With that said, the majority of individuals today still lean towards pursuing specialization or hyper-specialization. Most societies prioritize specialization far more than they do multi-potentiality. Being a specialist is perfectly fine as well and absolutely needed for the current economy. We certainly require hyper-specialized individuals who delve deeply into a particular field and push the boundaries of science and technology, even if it's within a small niche. But in a society that values specialization over multi-potentiality, what can you do if you find yourself as a multipotentialite?
The initial step is acknowledging that nothing is wrong with you. Instead, you possess an extraordinary capability that you should fully embrace. Secondly, recognize that you have unique characteristics that can be leveraged in specialized systems. A unique characteristic of a multi-potential person is the capability to generate innovative ideas. With a broad perspective and applying knowledge acquired across various fields as a result of pursuing multi interests, a multipotentialite is well equipped to generate new ideas and come up with smart solutions. Another valuable characteristic of a multipotentialite is the capability of learning new things quickly. On one hand, genuine interest in a subject primes you for quicker learning, while on the other hand, exposure to diverse fields over time enhances your ability to learn rapidly.
As a consequence, multipotentialites tend to exhibit greater adaptability to new systems and work environments. There is one caveat to consider: restricting a multipotentialite to work solely within a narrow topic can suppress their creativity and inhibit their ability to thrive.
This caveat serves as a crucial message to specialists: if you have a multipotentialite on your work team, recognize their unique characteristics and refrain from limiting them. Foster the development of their diverse talents and skills, leveraging them effectively within your team. We need both hyper-specialized and multipotentialite individuals for a team’s success.
This post was inspired by Emilie Wapnick’s TED talk [2].
Emilie Wapnick, 2015, How to Be Everything: A Guide for Those Who (Still) Don't Know What They Want to Be When They Grow Up
Emilie Wapnick, TED Talk