The T-Shaped Person Skills Graph Analogy visual is a fantastic simple representation of a more elaborate model. Imagine, instead, an upside down bell curve where the sagging "top" of the bell curve is analogous to the vertical bar of the T.

What this represents is the polymath's ultimate challenge - to widen the bottom part of the curve without sacrificing any depth (Cross-pollination of ideas makes you a polymath). Rather than being a "jack of all trades, master of none", they are striving to be just a "jack of all trades." Zettelkasten method of note taking

This also exposes several degrees of "dumbest in the room" (Be competent, not just a generalist) that are acceptable in different situations. On a bell curve, there are a few degrees from the center.

• The 50th percentile is right in the center which, in this case, represents the skills with the highest levels of competency. These are the skills that you should use professionally to do your best work. You are the smartest in the room with these skills. Permaculture Zone 1

• At one standard deviation (±1 SD) from the center, these are the skills you should be using in the periphery professionally. Maybe you're not the expert in marketing, but you have competency. These skills are valuable cherries for your employer/clients. I think most employers would prefer the horizontal part of your T to be comprised of these ±1 SD skills. Permaculture Zone 2

• ±2 SD are the skills you should only be using around your family and friends. They aren't good enough that you can competently convince your boss that you should be using these skills professionally, but you're not a dummy either. Permaculture Zone 3

• Lastly, the ±3 SD area are the skills you should only be doing by yourself. It's relatively easy to transition from 3 SD to 2 SD by watching a couple YouTube videos. Permaculture Zone 4

#toolong