All organizations require a wide variety of skills to function effectively. On lean teams, people are often forced to wear multiple hats. An organization that values people and effective communication can use this to its advantage by promoting cross-pollination of skills. You will still have certain subject areas where you rely on experts and advanced skills, but developing an appreciation for other roles in the company helps to build shared languages, movements, and values within the company.

I recently had the opportunity to ask Jason Fried co-founder of 37 Signals and co-author of the excellent book Rework for his take on the Employee Specialization during an Inc. Magazine interview.