Master of None
- Toni G
- Feb 9, 2024
- 3 min read
For much of my career, I have been labeled the Jack of All Trades (or I guess Jill of All Trades). Often given a project with a blank canvas to “figure it out”. I would be tasked with figuring out multiple options to see which could be viable, presenting and recommending options to decision-makers, and proceeding with the decided one. And fortunately, I have found success in my career for those skills. Other times, I worked in a small company or had a small staff, and would need to wear many hats – scheduler, trader, accountant, contract manager, and on-site IT – so when the opportunity arose (and sometimes assigned), I would jump in and once again “figure it out”.
This Jack of All Trades label carried on for many years. I can recall a specific interview that moved up to the VP level, second round, for a position working with external relationship management. The VP asked why I had applied for a position that would have been one-track and likely easy for me. I stated I liked the idea of working with folks to help bring understanding to the strategies developed by the company. He replied stating that I belonged in the strategy job to use your skills to come up with the options and possible solutions. He recognized my varied skills. And so, the strategy job was offered and I accepted.
Master of None label then showed up. While I was coming up with new and innovative ideas as the energy marketplace was changing, working with the team to determine their viability, compliance, and likelihood of a positive outcome, there was one person who pointed out my “master of none” label. Frequently this person would state in the work area of cubicles that I did not have the educational background for the role I held, noted I did not have the advanced degree my colleagues had, and pretty much anything they could find to shift my label to “Master of None”. It was crushing at that time (but did not let this person see it).
Licking my career wounds, I pulled back on the reigns. I shared my disappointment in the lack of support a leadership with a friend in the same industry. And then she reminded me that often people with a lack of mindset will only focus on the partial quote “Jack of all trades, master of none” and then put a period when in fact there is not a period. I should not have accepted the period that someone else decided to insert it.
Let’s get back to this. To clarify for those who may be forgotten or who have been placed in the box of “master of none”, the quote is…
“Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than the master of one”.
Some sources cite this back to the old English days of 1300, others in Shakespeare's days of 1500, and more in centuries following. And I would have to say much has changed since those days as people expand their knowledge, skills, and sense of possibilities and as our world has changed requiring many people to operate in a world and workplace wearing many hats.
I am grateful to this friend, for reminding me that I AM a master of none and that was a strength. The master of none can see beyond the one. The master of none can conjure up ideas that are outside of the disciplinary construct. The master of none can create new and innovative strategies without constraints. The magic of the master of none, when more in-depth knowledge is needed, can partner with the master of one (or masters of ones) to dig into the nuances required of the strategy, plan, or ideate.
There is room at the table for the master of none and the master of one. In collaboration, not in conflict. The master of none can choose to specialize into one. The master of one can choose to expand into none. There are limitless possibilities… in the master of none and keeping your mind open to these folks in your organization.
How would you define yourself?
Have you been labeled?
What does your organization value?
What does your leadership support?
I’d love to hear your perspective. I’d appreciate your comments or reach out to me.
Toni
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