A broken comb skill set refers to the shape a comb with missing teeth makes - some vertical lines and a horizontal one (and certainly doesn’t suggest the individual is broken!). They’re essentially an extension of the “T” skill shape, multiple in-depth areas with a (potentially) broad general base. This type of skillset is very interesting to work with, as they have multiple areas of expertise. While this is not without its challenges, broken combs can be very flexible and bring immense value to a team.

The upside of a Broken Comb

Broken comb skill sets offer the advantage of multiple focus disciplines.  Due to these areas they can potentially reduce the need to bring in additional team members, or negate the need to bring in outside help.  By excelling in multiple areas they provide a lot of flexibility and are able to make a big impact on projects.  This is especially true if their areas are related (your tax and finance systems, for example) as they are able to easily support thos areas and understand the interconnections between them.

In addition to their areas of depth they are also similar to how a “T”-shaped skillset with a broad skillset of more general skills.  This general knowledge helps them bridge gaps between areas (even their own), and allows them to get a better handle on the big picture.  The mix of focus areas and general skills can make for some very versatile individuals, capable of not only handling technical areas, but also “softer” skill sets.

The downside of a Broken Comb

While not a rule, despite a Broken Comb shaped skill sets offer deeper expertise in multiple areas, it’s likely their depth isn’t as great as an “I”, or even a “T”.  This is simply due to not having as much time to dedicate to each one as those other types.  This may result in overconfidence, or stretching too far in those areas.  Have multiple focus areas can also detract from their overall impact as they may get pulled in too many directions to be truely impactful.

Similarly, the breadth of general skills may be limited as a lot of energy is put onto the areas of focus.  This leaves less capacity to developing general skills, or to developing them deeply enough to be at least minimally effective.  This can result in broken combs having narrower general skillset than their “T” shaped counterparts. 

Managing a Broken Comb

Understanding what any given Broken Comb’s focus areas are is important to fully using their talents.  Take time to understand where their interests lie, and what areas they choose to focus on.  This will not only allow you to be utilize them on projects, but also help the continue to improve their focus areas.  Knowing how wide (or narrow) their general skillsets are is also important.  Their wide range of skills can make it seem like they can handle anything, but knowing where the edges are is critical.

Broken Combs can also fit in incredibly well between teams, especially if there are folks with I-shaped sklil sets on either side.  A Broken Combs multiple focus areas allows them to (relatively) easily translate between groups as they share an understanding with each side.  This can also open opportunities to expand someone else’s skillsets and the Broken Comb can relate to them, and the new skill.

If you’re a Broken Comb

Take time to understand where the edges of your focus and general areas are.  Knowing your areas of depth allows you to further exploit and build those skills, and knowing your general areas will make it easy to see how things connect.  It will also help you better communicate to your team what you can do… and help avoid situations where you’re expected to be an expert but really don’t know.

Having multiple focus areas (plus generalized skills to round you out) will make you very popular. Be careful that you don’t get pulled into too many different directions. Take an active approach in shaping what work you take on to best maximize your interest and impacts.