Polymath or Genius?

Q. My business is growing – whom should I hire for my leadership role? a Polymath or a Genius?

A. It can depend on the specific needs of the business in the next 5 years, but both polymaths and geniuses can bring unique strengths to a growing business.

A polymath, with a wide range of knowledge and skills across multiple areas, can be a valuable asset to a business as they can bring a diverse perspective to problem-solving and decision-making. They can also be able to adapt to different roles within the organization and handle multiple tasks effectively.

A genius, with an exceptional natural ability in a particular field, can bring a high level of expertise and skill to a specific area of the business, and can help drive innovation and progress in that area. They can also be able to quickly understand complex problems and come up with unique solutions.

In a growing business, a balance of both polymaths and geniuses can be beneficial. Polymaths can bring a diverse perspective and handle multiple tasks effectively, while geniuses can bring a high level of expertise and drive innovation in specific areas. However, a polymath or a genius alone doesn’t guarantee a successful business, other factors such as leadership, strategy, and execution also play important role.

How to identify a polymath person?

Identifying a polymath person can be difficult, as they often have a wide range of knowledge and skills across multiple areas, and may not have formal education or certification in all of them. However, here are a few ways to identify a polymath person:

1. Wide range of interests: A polymath typically has a wide range of interests, and may be passionate about learning and exploring different subjects. They may be curious and eager to learn new things.
2. Knowledge in multiple fields: A polymath will have a deep understanding of multiple fields of study. They may have expertise in areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, art, literature, and more.
3. Connecting different fields: A polymath is often able to make connections between different fields of study, and can see how concepts from one field can be applied to another. They are often able to think creatively and find solutions to problems by drawing on knowledge from multiple areas.
4. Multitasking: A polymath is able to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively, juggling different projects and priorities.
5. Strong communication: Polymaths are often able to communicate complex ideas in a simple and understandable way, they can explain complex subjects in layman’s terms.

How to identify a genius person?

Identifying a genius person can be difficult as the term “genius” is often used subjectively and informally. However, there are a few ways to identify a person with exceptional natural ability in a particular field:

1. Exceptional ability in a specific field: A genius will have an exceptional natural ability in a particular field, such as mathematics, music, science, or art. They may have achieved a high level of mastery at an early age, and may be considered a prodigy in their field.
2. Original contributions: A genius will often make original contributions to their field, and may be recognized for their research, inventions, or creative work.
3. Deep understanding: A genius will have a deep understanding of their chosen field, and may be able to quickly understand complex problems and come up with unique solutions.
4. Intense focus and dedication: A genius often has intense focus and dedication to their field and may spend a lot of time working and learning about it.
5. Recognition and Awards: They may be recognized and awarded for their exceptional abilities and contributions in their field.

Roles Polymath people are good at:

1. General management: A polymath, with a wide range of knowledge and skills across multiple areas, can be a valuable asset for general management roles. They can bring a diverse perspective to problem-solving and decision-making, and can handle multiple tasks effectively.
2. Business Development: Polymaths can help in creating opportunities for the business and be able to understand the different aspects of the market and the competition. They can be able to manage different projects and bring a diverse perspective to the business development.
3. Operations: Polymaths can handle multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively, juggling different projects and priorities, this can be important in operations where resources and manpower are often limited.
4. Marketing and Sales: A polymath can bring a diverse perspective and understanding of different fields to the marketing and sales department, they can be able to understand the target market and the competition, and be able to create effective campaigns and strategies.
5. Innovation: A polymath can bring a diverse perspective and be able to make connections between different fields of study, they can be able to think creatively and find solutions to problems by drawing on knowledge from multiple areas, this can be important for a growing business to drive innovation and progress.

Roles Genius people are good at:

1. Research and Development: A genius, with an exceptional natural ability in a particular field, can bring a high level of expertise and skill to a specific area of the business, which can be important for a growing business to stay competitive in a specific industry. They can also make original contributions to the field and help drive innovation and progress.
2. Technology and Engineering: A genius with exceptional ability in technology or engineering field can bring a high level of expertise and skill to the development of new products or services, they can help find new solutions to complex problems, and drive innovation in the company.
3. Product Development: A genius can bring exceptional ability in a specific field such as design, art, or music, they can help create products that stand out in a crowded market, and drive innovation in the company.
4. Data Analysis and Strategy: A genius with exceptional ability in data analysis and strategy can bring a high level of expertise and skill to the company’s decision-making process, they can help understand complex data and create effective strategies for the company.
5. Intellectual Property: A genius can bring exceptional ability in a specific field and make original contributions, which can be important for a growing business to protect its intellectual property, and to build a strong brand.

Your top leadership team must have a mix of both

In a growing company, but it can be beneficial for them to have a mix of skills and expertise.

Team members with a wide range of knowledge and skills across multiple areas, known as a polymath, can be beneficial as they can bring a diverse perspective to problem-solving and decision-making, and can handle multiple tasks effectively. They can also understand different aspects of the business and make connections between them.

On the other hand, a Team member with an exceptional natural ability in a particular field, known as a genius, can bring a high level of expertise and skill to a specific area of the business, and help drive innovation and progress. They can also quickly understand complex problems and come up with unique solutions.

A balance of both polymaths and geniuses can be beneficial for the top leadership team, depending on the specific needs of the company. The leadership team should have a good understanding of the different aspects of the business, be able to make strategic decisions, and have the ability to lead and inspire the team. Additionally, the leadership team should have strong leadership and management skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with stakeholders.

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Since 2006, our highly-specialized team of senior HR veterans and management consultants has been partnering companies put the right people on the job using a hands-on approach and streamlined yet thorough process. We get results because we don’t just match candidates to required skill sets; we connect you with top-tier hidden talent that will align perfectly with your organization’s culture, vision, and challenges—all in record time.

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