Specialization

Specialization is what made the industrial revolution possible.  Or, more accurately, its what made the industrial revolution so impactful in society.  Specialization allows people to get very good at a relatively small set of skills.  Then, combining that specialized skill set with the skills of others, you can form the Captain Planet of industry.  Working in harmony, a group of specialists can accomplish things that a group of generalists may not.

This has lead to a feeling in the world that specialists are more important than generalists.  SME, or Subject Matter Expert, is an important title in many organizations.  They have concentrated some specific area of knowledge in one person while making them available to the entire institution to spread the wealth.

There are two big problems with this thinking, though.  First, concentrating knowledge like that leads to a culture that values knowledge hoarding rather than knowledge sharing.  An SME is only as valuable as his knowledge, and if he keeps sharing and educating, he may eventually work himself out of a job.  Additionally, having more knowledge that others gives you a special status or power.  Keeping that power is another reason some people are reluctant to spread learning around an organization.

Second, specialization really impacts the ability to think critically and laterally.  I believe that the more diverse your experience, the better the skills at problem solving.  That doesn't just apply to specific fields, but also across them.  Knowledge of linguistics may help with math.  Chemistry may help with business.  Cross-training enables your mind to connect seemingly unrelated concepts into new ideas that may change the world.

So I implore you, do not overlook the importance of the broad thinkers in your organization.  If, for no other reason, than some day you will depend on them to provide the direction and leadership that all companies need.