Recruiting: Finding the Elusive Polymath
Let’s say that you are hiring for a position such as an Executive, a Software Architect, a VUCA team leader, or other position requiring broad thinking and ‘dot-connecting’ ability. Or you might need to identify a problem-solver that can handle working within a complex situation (VUCA) and not only thrive, but help others move forward.
You are looking for a Polymath If you are a specialist, you might not be able to see one without some tips. (see: The One-Way Mirror) The illustration above shows what is happening in a Polymaths' mind most of the time. They could be solving a problem, physically cooking, listening to a book on tape, and planning a project simultaneously. You might think that this is impossible, but for someone who is a polymath it is not impossible at all. Their brains process multiple things simultaneously - even though the body can physically only perform one task. Most Polymaths have a superpower of ability to think about multiple things at once. Note: Younger polymaths may still need to learn how to ‘listen’ while performing the parallel processing so they don’t seem distracted.
So how do you identify one if you yourself are a specialist? Here are some tips.
Tips to Identify a Polymath
Below are some things to look for, and questions to ask - if you don’t have another polymath handy to help you with the identification process.
A Polymath resume’ could have a resume’ with a number of disparate jobs on it.
They might have many interests outside of work and be highly productive at each of them. Words describe them through words like , “how do you do so much” , “how do you think on so many levels at once”
They might be an artist of some sort
A Polymath might have multiple advanced degrees from a College or University
Polymaths dislike being pigeonholed, so don’t typically value certifications in their industry - they would prefer to prove expertise through demonstrated experience.
They might be labeled as having ADHD,
They might describe themselves as a hybrid - performing above average in whatever you throw at them
They demonstrate continual learning and mastery of topics, without certification most of the time since that is associated with pigeonholing. They probably write blogs, books, or do presentations.
A Polymath hates the interview question, “What made you want to be XYZ when you grow up”. Because the question is invalid for them. They didn’t want to be one thing, they wanted to learn and learn.
You can’t categorize them into one discipline in your applicant tracking system because they fit multiple categories equally well
So if this is still challenging, DataPsy, Inc consultants can help you identify the polymaths in your candidate pool.
