The Specialized Generalist Approach

No, I'm not suggesting we specialize in generalities. Though there is something to say about a general handyman or woman.

Specialized Generalists work to grasp a particular skill with a particular set of tools.

But they don't stop there.

One of the notes from the ancient apostle, Paul, if I can borrow from the context for a minute, was a call for his followers, those who chased after the way, life, and truth of Christ, to "become all things to all people."

This wasn't a call to shift identities and claim titles and roles they didn't have, but instead, on a deeper level, to mourn with those who were mourning, to celebrate with those who were celebrating, and to teach those who were hungry to learn, and to eat with those who invited them to meals, and to work as craftsmen alongside those who were craftsmen, etc.

Yet through it all, they were to be specialists in regard to evangelism (messengers of the good news). To own their craft of teaching and equipping well. And then, on top of that, to generally understand how to meet people where they're at.

Artists? Studio musicians? Singer-songwriters? Authors? Designers? Engineers? Own your craft well. Know it inside and out.

Then learn the tools and skills just beyond your field that might be helpful to others looking to grasp your work.

Then step out even further for a healthy grasp of the social, organizational, relational, and professional tools and skills that will not only help you connect with others but build others up as you go.

Are you a Specialized Generalist?

It's not too late. Take one step deeper into your craft. Then take one step further afield. Then repeat.

Adopt the Flood

Floods change things.

They change the landscape. They alter the shape and movement of the river. They redesign the riverbanks. They dig in deep and they deposit sediments and debris in odd places.

Floods are inevitable. And often disastrous. But they don't have to be.

In fact, to the best of our abilities, we can prepare in advance for a flood. We can build appropriately along our river. We can erect supports and dig overflow channels. We can have help on standby. And we can simply be aware of seasons that might require our attention more so than others.

And of course, we can learn from the last flood, or another's flood experience, and take appropriate steps too, right?

Our projects, teams, and schedules aren't much different. The life of a practicing creative is one that's preparing for the flood.

The flood of ideas.

...opportunities.

...invites.

...offers.

...flops.

...interest.

...disagreements.

...tours.

...relationships.

Whatever it is, part of the role of the working creative is to observe and prepare. To set boundaries: creatively, vocationally, personally, financially, spiritually, etc.

No, this isn't about living in fear of the flood, after all, you might find yourself in an endless drought. But it is about adopting the flood mentality.

Besides, if you're going to live by the creative river, you've already jumped into the fray. Now it's just a matter of how serious you're willing to take your role and your work.

Adopt the flood mindset. I dare you.

Wear the Jacket

I'm not in on the whole "the clothes make the man" deal, but I get it.

I have not and cannot engage in a coaching session in my pjs, even over the phone. And when it comes to my writing blocks, alone at my desk, either early in the morn or late at night? Dressed and ready for the day. And all the more with my writing blazer on.

The blazer is a symbol for both the project and the process.

It's part of the environment.

And it's a line in the sand separating my time out there doing life, and my time in here creating in flow.

I didn't grow up wearing sports coats. I'm much more comfortable with flannels and flip-flops and t-shirts and my ratty old Menard's two-pocket waist apron for projects around the house.

And while the blazer isn't some magic token that'll grow my coaching business beanstalk to the heavens...

It seems to me that sometimes I (you as well) just need to accept the eccentricity of a creative mindset shift and wear the jacket. Create. Move on. Then do it again the next day.

Does the jacket make the man? Maybe not. But it does seem to signify a scene change.

Mr. Rogers modeled this pretty well. How about you?