Why You Should Look For A Generalist/Multi-hat Team Instead Of A Specialist

As a young startup, a lot of founders tend to seek a particular set of skills for one person.

Anyone that has been a founder knows that someone who is skilled in multiple areas is soo much more valuable.

They are called generalists (but I call them multi-hat with a special focus)

The Multi-Hat Ninja

Founders are notorious for falling prey to the "unicorn hunt." Searching LinkedIn, chasing down that mythical creature with the perfect blend of marketing genius, coding wizardry, and salesmanship so dazzling it'll make unicorns jealous.

But the real magic lies not in a single, sparkly horn, but in the versatility of a multi-hat ninja.

I'm talking about the generalists/multi-hats – those individuals with a tapestry of skills, comfortable weaving between tasks.

EXAMPLE: They could code, write compelling copy, and charm a venture capitalist into handing over their lunch money (figuratively, of course).

Yes, they might not have the laser focus of a specialist, but their broader perspective is a superpower in the chaotic world of startups.

Here's why...

Agility in the Face of Uncertainty

Startups are roller coasters, not cruise ships. You need a team that can pivot on a penny, navigate unexpected detours, and wear whatever hat the day demands. Generalists are chameleons, adapting to changing priorities and wearing marketing, product, or sales hats with equal effectiveness.

Breaking Down Silos

Startups thrive on cross-functional collaboration. But let's be honest, silos exist. The generalists are the bridge builders, speaking the language of both engineers and marketers, translating tech jargon into customer-friendly magic. They break down walls, fostering a culture of shared understanding and innovation.

Cost-Effectiveness in a Bootstrapped World

As we all know, early-stage budgets are about as thin as a well-loved paperback. Hiring a team of specialists can break the bank faster than a sugar rush on a candy store spree.

Generalists are your Swiss army knives, tackling multiple tasks with one efficient blade, saving you precious resources for that next growth spurt.

So, ditch the unicorn chase.

Embrace the multi-hat ninja.

Invest in generalists who can wear many hats, not just one.

They'll be the glue that holds your startup together, the spark that ignites your growth, and the secret weapon that helps you conquer the entrepreneurial jungle.

Remember, it's not about finding the perfect skillset, it's about finding the perfect people – adaptable, collaborative, and ready to roll up their sleeves and get things done.

Don't forget, even multi-hat ninjas need support. Invest in their growth, provide opportunities to deepen their skills, and celebrate their versatility. They'll repay you tenfold.

• Focus on cross-functionality:Encourage everyone to learn and contribute beyond their core skillset. This adaptability is crucial in a small team.
• Clear communication and collaboration:Openly share information, ideas, and challenges to foster a collaborative environment.
• Passion and motivation:Choose team members who are passionate about the startup's mission, facing the same way, and can work tirelessly to achieve it.
• Focus on transferable skills that compliment each-other:Look for individuals with adaptable skills that can be applied to different areas of the business that compliment all of the other team skills.
• Encourage cross-training and collaboration:Create a culture of learning and sharing knowledge so everyone can contribute to different areas. This is where the gems are found!
• Invest in personal and professional development:Help your team members acquire new skills and expertise to fill any gaps in the skillset.

Go forth founders, and build your multi-hat ninja squad!

PS I know a few fab generalist/multi-hatters, let me know if you would like to speak to them.

Oh, and the SUBSCRIBE button is above, hit it if you like reading my ramblings.

Who am I?

Kellie “The Startup Whisperer” - a multi hat wearing startup founder/advisor with a special knack for people, communications & strategy within the AI technology startup space.

Led by an AI VC we connect founders with aligned investors by executing proper due diligence to position them in a place of hot strength instead of cold weakness and invited to directly access investor doors that would usually be shut to them.

Wanna chat more?

Reach out to my LI inbox Kellie O Hara or schedule a call here (please be sure to include context )

Visit my website www.kellie-thestartupwhisperer.com ??