HIT Skills : Managing our Careers in the Age of AI

A little bit of Monica in my life, A little bit of Erica by my side…

In our professional lives, most of us will follow the “I” model wherein we will burrow deep in our chosen field.

For instance, as a mathematics teacher, I wouldn’t find interest in developments in biology, abstract arts, or avant-garde aesthetics. My focus would be dedicated to immersing myself in the subject matter I teach, akin to a horse wearing blinkers, narrowing my attention to my specialized field.

But in the realm of Career Development, the traditional approach of singular expertise no longer suffices. As students and young professionals aspire to carve their path to success, the “T” and “H” models emerge as transformative strategies worth exploring.

The “T” Model: Elevating Expertise Across Horizons

T model as per Wiki is

The vertical bar on the letter T represents the depth of related skills and expertise in a single field, whereas the horizontal bar is the ability to collaborate across disciplines with experts in other areas

T Model ( image by author)

The “T” model, as defined by leading industry experts, involves mastering a core skill (depicted by the vertical bar) while simultaneously possessing the ability to collaborate across various disciplines (illustrated by the horizontal bar).

Imagine a finance enthusiast delving into marketing, technology, or communication. By extending expertise beyond the vertical silo, one not only enhances their core skills but also becomes a versatile professional. For instance, understanding financial concepts and applying them to marketing strategies can create a dynamic skill set that resonates across industries.

Optimize your journey by integrating diverse skills, be it digital marketing, coding, or communication. The synthesis of these proficiencies creates a professional profile that is not just broad but uniquely impactful.

The “H” Model: Crafting a Superpower Fusion

The “H” model, akin to combining essential elements to create a powerful compound, involves excelling in two distinct areas that intersect harmoniously. Leading figures like Rory Sutherland and Scott Adams advocate for this dual-talent approach, emphasizing the creation of a potent force.

Scott Adams, the visionary behind Dilbert, exemplifies this strategy. While not the best artist or the funniest person in the room, Adams leveraged his average talents, combined with business acumen, to create a comic strip empire. The formula is clear: layer communication skills, public speaking, and improved writing onto your expertise, & transform yourself into a leader rather than a follower.

SS from the YouTube video

H Model, coined by Mr. Claus Raasted in this article combines two talents that you have to build a super power.

Applying the HIT Model: A Blueprint for Career Triumph

For students and young professionals eager to excel, consider the HIT model — a blueprint that integrates historical expertise with contemporary skills. Embrace the “T” model by diversifying your knowledge portfolio, exploring areas beyond your immediate field. Simultaneously, harness the “H” model by identifying and fusing complementary talents.

However, a challenge arises: the time and resource investment required to master new skills. The solution lies in achieving an optimal proficiency in secondary skills and judiciously delegating specialized tasks to experts. This ensures efficiency without compromising the pursuit of excellence.

A historian may keep digging in History (the I Model) or she can use the skills from her interest in Video Games and Algorithms to feed her History skills (the T Model). Or she can combine the there to design History based Video Games.

As you navigate the intricate path of career growth, remember that the key to success lies in strategic diversification and skill fusion.

If you are a student or a young or a veteran professional — by actively seeking “T” and “H” opportunities — we can transform our professional journeys. Your unique blend of skills will not only set you apart but also position you as a dynamic force in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Useful Links:

# Scott Adams’ interview (00:48 to 01:57)

#Rory Sutherland: The Wiki Man : “The advice I would give to anybody is to be good at two things, not one, know about two things rather than one, and if possible make the two things overlap a bit.”