Generalist

Also called T-Shaped

Someone who can do many things across functions rather than specializing deeply in one. Often described as T-shaped, broad ability with depth in one area. Valuable in early startups.

Why it matters

Early startups need people who wear many hats, so versatile generalists are gold before roles are big enough to specialize. Knowing when to hire generalists versus specialists tracks the stage and needs of the company.

For example

The startup's third hire does product, support, and marketing in the same week, a versatile generalist that an early team needs before roles specialize.

Go deeper

Generalists vs. Specialists: Which Should You Hire First in Your Startup? Mean CEO (STARTUP POV) · article A serial founder makes the exact call you should make for your first seats: hire generalists until product-market fit, because pre-PMF work shifts weekly and one generalist covers roles a specialist would sit idle between. It names the real triggers to switch (roles stabilize, a vertical is proven) so you do not over-hire specialists too early on a tight runway. Open blog.mean.ceo →

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Also in Starting Up

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