T-Shaped Skill

A “t-shaped skill” is a model used to describe the type of twofold expertise required to perform a role. It consists of broad and deep abilities, and both must be present for this skill to be exercised.

T-shaped skills are depicted using two dimensions: depth (which reflects deep specialization in a particular discipline) and breadth (i.e., experience and knowledge across domains, sectors, or industry verticals).

Companies that focus on a growth mindset and learning cultures are always thinking about skills, and they understand that nobody becomes proficient by learning one set of skills. As the T-Shaped Skills model points out, we need a flexible set of tools that let people develop themselves vertically and horizontally.