Depth Unlocking Breadth
Find something and make it yours
We are all likely familiar with the concept of a “T-shaped” person, which is someone who is well-rounded with one or two areas of specialty. Personally, I think I am quite T-shaped.
But lately, when I think about work, I’ve found another shape to be very aspirational— the “upside-down T.”
The upside-down T is a manner of operating. To me, it is the act of acquiring knowledge depth-first and once reaching a certain level of expertise, being able to glide left and right and all around with the panache of technical fluency. It is depth unlocking new planes of breadth, the addition of style and artistry to hard-earned substance.
Put another way— the upside-down T is the process of finding something and making it yours.
To dig deep and learn everything about something, to care for it, and shape it with your personal touch—the result of this is the masterful combination of technicality and creativity. The upside-down T is hard work wrapped in finesse or in other words— the act of dancing, effortlessly.