The Art of “I Know a Guy”: Managing Expectations as a Generalist

We’ve all heard the phrase, “I know a guy.” It’s a simple way of presenting oneself or a professional network as capable of handling almost any challenge. For generalists or multipotentialites people with a range of skills across various fields, this phrase is a key tool for managing expectations.

A common cultural belief is that a person who knows a bit about everything isn’t as competent as a specialist who focuses on one area. This idea comes from the saying: “A jack of all trades is a master of none.” It implies that being versatile means sacrificing quality. However, the full quote is, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” This second half changes everything. It suggests that generalists can actually be better suited to many tasks because of their ability to understand the entire process.

Generalists can bridge gaps between disciplines. Their vision spans multiple fields, giving them an understanding of how various elements come together to produce a successful result. Take, for instance, a technology consultant working on an augmented reality (AR) project. They might understand how to design intuitive user interfaces, optimise performance on mobile devices, and integrate spatial tracking for a seamless experience. This holistic understanding allows the generalist to deliver projects that work smoothly from both technical and user experience perspectives.

The key strength of a generalist is their ability to see connections between technologies. For example, someone familiar with both virtual reality (VR) development and artificial intelligence (AI) might create a more dynamic and responsive VR environment. This versatility can produce results that are more innovative and efficient than what specialists, who focus solely on one technology, can achieve.

For a generalist, it can be tempting to present yourself as capable of doing everything. But this often backfires. When you say, “I know a guy,” you create the perception of expertise. It’s a way to assure your clients that you have access to the best resources, while also positioning yourself as the professional who knows what’s needed.

Imagine a multipotentialite managing a large-scale smart home automation project. Rather than listing every skill they can bring to the table like IoT (Internet of Things) protocols, cloud computing, security standards, and user interface design, they say, “I have the perfect person for this part.” This simple statement does two things: it elevates client confidence and keeps the conversation on the output, not the generalist’s skill set. It creates a sense of mystery and authority.

By not showing your full hand, you avoid the risk of clients overloading you with every tech problem they encounter. People often assume that if you can handle a wide range of tasks, you should be able to solve all their issues, from building a VR simulation to troubleshooting server architecture. But this dilutes your energy and diverts focus from what truly matters.

Some may think that presenting yourself as a generalist and withholding some of your capabilities is deceptive. But it’s not if you know you can deliver high-quality results and call in specialists when necessary. Generalists often have enough experience to recognise when they need expert support.

In fact, one sign that you’ve moved past the Dunning-Kruger effect (the tendency for beginners to overestimate their abilities) is understanding your limits. You know when to say, “I know a guy,” because you genuinely understand the value of expert help when the situation demands it. This way, you’re not overpromising or under delivering.

More importantly, you’re focusing on the client’s needs and the outcome they care about, not on showcasing everything you can do. By tailoring your approach and speaking directly to their goals, rather than overwhelming them with your full range of skills. You build trust, clarity, and confidence in the path forward. It’s not about hiding expertise. It’s about knowing when to reveal it in service of the bigger picture.

A significant advantage of being a generalist in tech is the ability to leverage and engage a wide range of connections and interests. People like connecting with others with shared ideals. Instead of trying to master every emerging technology, a generalist can draw on their network of specialists to handle complex, niche tasks.

Imagine working on a complex 3D animation project that requires advanced rigging for a hyper-realistic character. The character needs to have a fully dynamic and anatomically accurate muscle system, something that goes beyond standard rigging techniques. Instead of trying to master the intricacies of muscle-based rigging and simulation from scratch, a generalist animator would simply reach out to a rigging expert who specialises in this area. By doing so, the generalist ensures that the project benefits from top-notch expertise without wasting valuable time on a steep learning curve.

Saying, “I know a guy,” reflects your understanding of the tech industry and shows that you know how to bring in the right people for each challenge. This approach not only builds client confidence but also ensures you deliver the best possible outcome. Collaboration and partnerships become your secret weapons, especially in a world where technology evolves rapidly.

Generalists often make excellent technology project managers because they have a broad understanding of various tech roles. This allows them to delegate effectively and ensure the right specialist handles each part of a project. 

For example, in an architectural visualisation project, a generalist might oversee a team working on a highly immersive experience. To achieve a photorealistic and interactive walkthrough, they would coordinate specialists in 3D modelling, real-time rendering engines, and VR integration. By bringing in experts who specialise in these areas, the generalist ensures that the final visualisation is not only stunning but also technically optimised, without having to master every aspect of the complex technology involved.

By using the “I know a guy” approach, generalists maintain a balance between breadth and depth. They understand when their knowledge isn’t sufficient and when to bring in a true specialist. This thoughtful use of resources ensures both high-quality outcomes and efficient project execution.

Saying, “I know a guy,” does more than imply you have access to resources; it positions you as a trusted authority in tech. Clients are more likely to respect you if you project confidence and show you have a network of experts ready to tackle specialised challenges. 

This statement creates an presents of effortless expertise. It makes problem-solving look easy and gives you an air of resourcefulness. Additionally, keeping some of your tech skills under wraps adds an element of mystique. Clients don’t need to know all your abilities, but they initially trust you because you seem capable and well-connected. Then by solving their problems and delivering high quality outcomes will cement professional reputation and prevent people from underestimating your capabilities.

One of the greatest strengths of generalists in tech is their adaptability. Because they have experience across multiple fields they can approach problems creatively and offer solutions from different angles. 

However, adaptability doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. It means you’re resourceful enough to find the right solutions, even if that means consulting a specialist. By recognising your limits, you can maintain efficiency and produce better outcomes. Knowing when to delegate or seek expert input is a mark of true wisdom in the tech world.

One danger of being a generalist in technology is the risk of burnout. Trying to handle everything yourself can quickly become overwhelming. The “I know a guy” strategy is a tool for protecting your well-being, ensuring you don’t overextend and can focus on high-value work.

This phrase helps manage client expectations. If clients see you as an expert who can solve all their tech problems, they might expect you to single-handedly fix everything from cybersecurity threats to VR content creation. By not advertising every skill, you protect yourself from these unrealistic expectations, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

If you reveal too much about your diverse skill set, you risk being labelled as “that guy” . It sounds flattering, but it comes with a heavy burden. You might end up with projects outside your core value. Even if you can “figure it out,” doing so wastes time and energy that could be spent on more strategic projects.

You don’t want to be the person who is expected to solve every technology problem. That’s how expectations spiral out of control. It’s crucial to focus on work that best aligns with your skills and long-term goals. While generalists are great problem-solvers, they shouldn’t become a catch-all for every tech request.

One overlooked strength of generalists is their ability to amplify others. When you say, “I know a guy,” and the person you bring in does a great job, give them credit openly. This isn’t just polite, it’s powerful. It shows you’re not threatened by other people’s expertise. Instead, you value it.

By celebrating someone else’s success, you’re doing more than being nice. You’re reinforcing their confidence, showing clients that you surround yourself with capable people, and helping your collaborators grow. People remember when you put them forward and highlight their achievements. It builds trust and loyalty.

Generalists often work across teams, disciplines, and projects. In these roles, it’s easy to be seen as someone who’s collecting credit for everything. To avoid this, make sure you name the wins of others and share the spotlight. Say things like, “That breakthrough was all her,” or “He really nailed that integration.” This approach sets you apart as someone who respects knowledge and wants others to grow.

Over time, this habit shapes how people see you. Not as someone hoarding skills, but as a connector, someone who builds people up and recognises the value of contribution. And in tech, where collaboration is everything, that’s a reputation worth having.

The skill of managing expectations is crucial for any generalist. Using phrases like “I know a guy” can enhance your credibility and ensure your skill are valued. It allows you to focus on what truly matters and avoid getting spread too thin.

Remember, you’re not lying about your abilities. You’re being strategic and smart, delivering great results while knowing when to call in extra help. This approach doesn’t just protect your energy; This is being able to deliver the best results to the people around you and set you up for long-term success as a generalist in the tech world.

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