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T-shaped People/Skills

What It Is:

T-shaped people or T-shaped skills refer to individuals who have both deep expertise in a specific domain (the vertical bar of the “T”) and a broad set of skills or knowledge across various disciplines (the horizontal bar of the “T”). The concept is often used to describe the skill set of an individual or a team member in a collaborative and multidisciplinary work environment.

Origin and Application:

  • The concept is attributed to Tim Brown, the CEO of IDEO, a design and innovation company. IDEO is known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, and the T-shaped skills concept emerged as a way to describe the kind of skills and mindset valued in such an environment.

Key Attributes:

  • Vertical Bar (Deep Expertise): Represents the depth of knowledge and expertise in a specific field.
  • Horizontal Bar (Broad Skills): Represents the ability to collaborate and work across multiple disciplines, fostering teamwork and adaptability.

How to Use It:

Using T-shaped People/Skills in Agile Coaching:

  1. Team Building:
    • Encourage the development of T-shaped skills within the team. Identify areas where individuals can deepen their expertise while also acquiring a broader understanding of related domains.
  2. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
    • Emphasize the importance of cross-functional collaboration. T-shaped individuals are well-suited for Agile environments where collaboration and adaptability are crucial.
  3. Skill Sharing:
    • Facilitate a culture of skill sharing within the team. Encourage team members to teach and learn from each other, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
  4. Adaptability:
    • Emphasize the value of adaptability. T-shaped individuals can quickly pivot and contribute in various aspects of a project, making them valuable assets in Agile teams that require flexibility.

The concept of T-shaped people/skills aligns with Agile principles by emphasizing collaboration, adaptability, and a holistic approach to problem-solving. Encouraging T-shaped skills within an Agile team contributes to a well-rounded and versatile group capable of delivering value across various aspects of a project.

References:

  1. IDEO’s Publications and Talks:
    • Explore IDEO’s publications, talks, and resources. Tim Brown and other IDEO leaders often discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and T-shaped skills.
  2. Agile and Scrum Literature:
    • Many Agile and Scrum literature highlight the importance of cross-functional teams and the diverse skills needed for successful Agile development. Look for resources from thought leaders in the Agile community.
  3. Design Thinking Materials:
    • As the concept has roots in design thinking, materials on design thinking principles and practices may provide additional insights into fostering T-shaped skills.
  4. Skill Development Platforms:
    • Platforms that offer courses on both specialized and general skills can be useful for individuals looking to develop T-shaped skills. Encourage team members to explore relevant courses.

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