[ Generalist ]

I was in a role as Acting General Manager of an engineering department, in my early 30s.  It was during a takeover/merger, and the manager who had been seconded elsewhere was returning.

It was a pivotal decision moment for me, and he put it plainly for me.  It was time to decide if I wanted to be a specialist (technical) or generalist (managerial).

Not that it was a difficult decision.  I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been in the AGM role if I had leanings towards technical expertise.

If you’re going to be a generalist, be an expert at it.