Drink your tea.
Give yourself a T-Shaped diet.
Ever chatted to one of those people that make you want to talk forever? Whatever the topic, they’re into it and always have something to add. Chances are, they’re interesting because they’re interested.
What is it?
The concept of T-Shaped skills goes back to the early 90s. It’s the idea that great employees have wide general knowledge and deep specialist expertise. They have interests that shape like a T.
A T-shaped information diet is the same idea applied to what you read: a wide range of interestingness - with a deeper dive into one special area.
Who is it for?
People who need to deliver in brainstorms and ideation.
People who want focus for their reading habits.
How does it work?
Creativity is the life-blood of all modern organisations. It’s not about painting pictures or playing piano - it’s about joining dots to solve problems. And the more dots you have, the easier it is.
Most people read deeply to extend their specialist knowledge. T-shaped readers also read widely to collect those dots. But who’s got the time, right? That’s where sites like Wikipedia and Mindtools are really handy. Or platforms like Blinkist that summarise big stuff into small chunks.
You don’t need to be an expert in everything. It’s just about being curious. Who started that business? What does that word mean? Why do we have a day off on Labour Day? The more interested you are, the more interesting you’ll be and the more easily you’ll trip over patterns, ideas and great solutions by joining the dots in your head.
Learn more
Nick deWilde - The T-Shaped Information Diet
Like this idea?
Sign up to get the latest tips and tools.
Straight to your inbox, on us.