In today's professional landscape, the concept of T-shaped skills has gained significant importance. "T-shaped skills" means having deep expertise in a specific area (the vertical bar of the T) while also possessing broad knowledge across various disciplines (the horizontal bar).
However, as workplace demands grow more complex, evolving this T-shape into what I call N- or M-shaped skill profiles can provide a distinct advantage in your career.
The foundation: T-shaped skills
At the beginning of my career, I honed my expertise in software development, but my long-term aspiration was to transition into project management. Initially, I had only a broad understanding of project management, recognizing that success depended on delivering projects on time, within scope and on budget. However, I quickly realized that this high-level view was just the tip of the iceberg. Other elements of this field, such as communication, stakeholder management and risk management, were arguably even more important.
As I explored these areas more deeply, I developed a profound understanding of project management. I learned to differentiate between project management and project leadership and to recognize the importance of each element within the project life cycle. This became my first vertical skill — an area where I had gained deep, specialized knowledge.
Simultaneously, I maintained a broad understanding of my industry, which allowed me to connect the dots between different disciplines and apply my project management skills in various contexts. Thus, I considered myself someone with a T-shaped skill profile.
Expanding to N-shaped skills
As my career progressed, I realized that having deep knowledge in one area, while valuable, was not enough. I identified business acumen as a crucial skill to develop. Unfortunately, my manager at the time did not support my desire to expand into this area, so I decided to focus on a narrower domain — automation (business process management, robotic process automation (RPA), chatbot, etc.). I pursued extensive training in automation technologies, not only those I used daily but also competitor technologies. This deep dive into automation made me a subject matter expert (SME) within my company. Soon, my expertise allowed me to participate in high-level discussions and decision-making processes — including meetings where even my manager was not invited.
This experience taught me the value of having multiple verticals of deep expertise, which led me to the concept of N-shaped skills. An N-shaped skill profile (easier to see with a lowercase "n") involves developing deep knowledge in two areas. For example, you might have expertise in project management and automation or in marketing and data analytics. These areas can be aligned with your industry or completely distinct, but the combination creates a strong profile that makes you invaluable to your organization.
The power of M-shaped skills
Taking this concept further, the M-shaped (or "m"-shaped) skill profile involves deep expertise in three or more areas. In today’s demanding and dynamic work environment, having such a profile can be a game changer. The critical component of the M shape, however, is not just depth in multiple areas but breadth of knowledge across different industries and disciplines.
Why is this broad knowledge so important? Because it enables you to innovate and apply creative solutions from one field to another. For instance, understanding business models in the tech industry might inspire innovative approaches in healthcare or education. The ability to connect seemingly unrelated dots is what sets M-shaped professionals apart. They are not only experts in their fields but also creative problem-solvers who draw on a vast array of knowledge to bring new perspectives to the table.
In my own career, I've focused on developing deep knowledge in areas like emotional intelligence, ikigai and leadership. And I haven't stopped there. I've made it a point to expand my understanding across a wide range of industries, from medical/nursing to oil and gas, energy, education and civil engineering. I also read books and explore perspectives that diverge from my own, even those that challenge my current beliefs. This constant pursuit of knowledge from diverse sources helps me refine and improve my own perspective, making me more adaptable and insightful.
Conclusion
While T-shaped skills provide a solid foundation for career growth, expanding into N- and M-shaped skill profiles can significantly enhance your professional trajectory. Developing deep expertise in multiple areas as well as a broad understanding of various industries and disciplines will set you apart in a competitive job market.
It’s not just about being the best in one thing; it's about being versatile, adaptable and innovative. By cultivating a wide-ranging knowledge base enriched by divergent perspectives, you can build a robust and dynamic career that thrives in any environment.