The classic “T-shaped” skill model is being superseded by cognitive range—an evolution from static expertise shapes to dynamic resolution fluency.
The Evolution
Industrial Era: I-Shaped (“The Specialist”)
Deep expertise in one domain. Limited cross-domain translation. Value came from knowing more than anyone else about one thing.
Knowledge Era: T-Shaped (“The Versatile Expert”)
Broad knowledge + deep expertise. Can collaborate across domains. Value came from depth plus context.
Digital Era: Pi-Shaped (π) (“The Dual Expert”)
Two deep expertise areas with breadth between them. Can bridge between specialties. Value came from translation between domains.
AI Era: Cognitive Range (“The Resolution Navigator”)
Fluid movement across resolutions. Translates between any level. Value comes from navigation capacity, not fixed knowledge.
The Key Shift
Old Model: Shape-Based
New Model: Resolution-Based
Static expertise areas (domains)
Dynamic resolution levels (zoom)
Fixed shape (I, T, π, comb)
Fluid movement (variable zoom)
Knowledge = what you know about
Knowledge = how you see
Value = domain expertise
Value = translation capacity
Why This Evolution Matters
T-shaped was revolutionary for its time—it recognized that breadth matters alongside depth.
But AI changes the game: domain knowledge is commoditizing. What remains scarce is the ability to navigate resolutions fluidly—seeing when to zoom in, zoom out, and translate between levels.
Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
