Scientific and industrial developments that began in the 19th century encouraged human specialization. And right now, the student’s route is to focus more on an area that will lead to the business world. Alternative courses that point to a subject, social or technological baccalaureate, and degrees that fall under one label: scientist, engineer, or doctor. The contributions of professionals may then be limited in many other areas. In an increasingly connected world dominated by innovation and creativity, emerging talent in a variety of fields is increasingly valued by companies. These are called polymates.
In the absence of a specific degree, “the concept of polymath is not the profile the company is hiring”, but they are looking for people with cross-skills, emphasizes Javier Sirvent, business consultant, entrepreneur, inventor and scientific communicator. The sage, who also confessed, explains that in his case, companies hired him “to talk about the future and make people think something might happen.”
Polymaths have appeared throughout history, giving an example of the importance of passing knowledge, applying it, and combining it for better results. One of the first sages to transcend was Imhotep—in ancient Egypt—who managed to specialize in architecture and astronomy as well as medicine. In fact, he ordered the construction of the first pyramid in history, Saqqara. They followed Aristotle (philosophy, science, politics and biology) and Leonardo da Vinci (painting, sculpture and philosophy), among others. The first study on polymates was done recently, thanks to the collaboration of several researchers from 3M company and Deusto Business School. It questions whether some of the geniuses of history would be limited to the academic corset today.
“There’s been talk lately Natalie Portmanmaking a difference in psychology and as an actor; Charles Herrera, as a cook, journalist and doctor; and Greater Wyomingjournalist and doctor”, shows Fernando Tome, Vice-Chancellor for Students, Employability and Internationalization at the University of Nebrija. So, is polymathy open to everyone? Why are these profiles becoming more and more interesting to companies?
Being a sage requires the ability to achieve excellence in two or more areas of knowledge, according to Deusto Business School research. This confuses the possibility of having “more neuronal plasticity within and between both cerebral hemispheres.” These traits will not be limited to the result of genetic inheritance, but will provide a greater capacity to process and integrate information, which can also be influenced by habits and environmental stimuli. However, the report points out that there is no neuroscientific evidence to confirm this theory. “After years of professional life going in different directions, I believe it is curiosity and luck, not a predisposition,” he explains. Carlos Discount, wise and transformation manager at Securitas Seguridad Spain. In this way, according to experts, problems can be solved in different ways by bringing together the knowledge gained from various experiences.
“Specialization is a risk because AI will conquer many technical areas and also eliminate lateral thinking,” he adds. On the other hand, the trend towards technological hybridization that can be seen in new and traditional industries creates a fertile field for wisdom to shine, adds study.
Polymats by necessity
Others use the polymatic because of the demands of the script. With an unemployment rate of close to 30%, «young people have to know more and more, so more and more double degrees are taken. 30 years ago no one read two careers,” says Tomé.
Companies are increasingly realizing that their industry’s vision is not enough to innovate, especially after the digital boom. And these more multidisciplinary profiles can provide a more global and different perspective that takes you one step further. Companies like Unilever, Procter & Gamble or Beiersdorf take these employees into account and “put them through different functions so they have more cross-ability and then place them in a position.” Puri PaniaguaAuthor of The Bounty Hunter and Show Your Talent.
Alicia Gomez de Hinojosa, director of talent and personnel at Securitas Seguridad Spain, explains that the company is committed to innovation and acknowledges that scholars have “the ability to adapt and move forward with transformation”. The company has even separated the human resources area from the talent area to find people who can solve the challenges of the future. The transformation director at the company concludes that there is still a trend to “sign” based on a certain educational criterion, but an increased sensitivity to look for profiles that trigger creativity.