Innovation isn't free, but it is the difference between stagnation and success

It's not enough to claim we’re innovative. We have to actively encourage it from those around us.

Encouraging innovation is only the first step. It has to be incubated - create an environment where it can succeed.

Incubation isn't the final goal either. We have to invest it in which is the hardest part – accepting less of something we have now so we can have something essential to success tomorrow.

Generalists

The hiring manager exclaimed she was "tired of interviewing people who have done everything". She was looking for specific expertise. She leads projects as a maestro conducts an orchestra. She succeeds because of her willingness to direct what anyone should do at any given moment.

Specializing makes it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to see a person as a set of skills to address a problem. Generalizing makes it possible for workers to adapt to a job market with ever evolving skill requirements.

Specialized workers enable leaders to quickly "plug and play" with contractors or employees on the tasks to be completed over the next week or two. Generalized workers require leaders to focus on hiring the right people and providing the vision and responsibility to deliver.