I have what is termed an “M-Shaped Mind” (or M-shaped skills/professional), which refers to a modern, highly adaptable intellectual profile characterized by possessing multiple pillars of deep, specialized expertise connected by a broad, interdisciplinary understanding.
As an example, a criminal lawyer, judge, or a brain surgeon, would be considered “I-Shaped” professionals, in that they have a deep, single-spike of knowledge in one very specific area of expertise. An architect or mechanical engineer would be “T-Shaped”, in that Instead of a single spike of deep expertise (I-Shaped), they have deep knowledge in one area and broad knowledge in others, such as material properties, mathematics, construction and/or manufacturing techniques, art and design, etc.
On the other hand…
Individuals with the M-Shaped mind exhibit the following key characteristics:
- Multiple Areas of Mastery: Instead of a single spike of deep expertise (I-shaped) or one deep area with broad knowledge (T-shaped), M-shaped individuals have two or more areas of deep, specialized knowledge.
- Interdisciplinary Connection: The “roof” of the M represents the ability to connect these deep pillars, allowing for the transfer of ideas, skills, and perspectives across different domains.
- Contextual Intelligence: M-shaped minds often function as “connectors,” able to bridge gaps between disparate fields like engineering, design, and strategy.
- “Serial Mastery”: Often built over time by diving deep into one skill, moving to another, and then synthesizing them (sometimes referred to as a “polymath at heart”).