A Jack Of All Trades Is A Master Of...

You’ve probably heard it said that “a jack of all trades is a master of none.” This quote is often used as a negative phrase, a comment that is used to convince you to focus on one thing and stop trying to do too many things at once. These words have been used to discourage people of all ages from pursuing more than one worthy goal or skill at a time. Yes, Jack of all trades has become a kind of insult, but it certainly wasn’t meant to be one.

The full phrase is “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” It was meant as a compliment about William Shakespeare. The phrase was first used to describe a playwright because he was known to hang around theatres even when he didn’t actually work there. He spent his time at theaters volunteering to help as a stage hand, or offering to help construct the set, or memorizing the actors’ lines in case they forgot their lines and needed a cue, or working on costumes for the actors, and he even jumped into directing plays. Imagine if this so-called jack of all trades hadn’t been so hands on in the theatre world. Would we know who William Shakespeare is today? You may describe him as a literary master, but did you know how involved he was in the theatre environment? I believe that being a Jack of all trades created the master playwright we celebrate today.

Have you ever had the type of friend you can call for just about any task because that friend always finds a way to make it happen? This friend may not be a master mechanic, a master contractor, a master electrician, a master shopper, a master roof tech, a master engineer, a master caretaker, a master security pro, a master anything, but he embodies the Jack of all trades persona. We should all be so blessed to have someone like that in our lives.

My Jack of all trades is Henry Torres. No matter what I throw at my guy, his answer is always an enthusiastic, humble, service driven, “I got you.” In Henry language that means, “I will get it done.” That is no joke! My go-to-bro Henry has proven himself time and time again. I still haven’t asked him to help me with anything that he didn’t add real value to. Oh wait, he can’t cook. I asked him to watch the meat on the grill one time and we pretty much ate charcoal… lol. Well, I never said Henry is perfect. Would I give him another shot at the grill? Of course. He’s Henry. He’s like a real life MacGyver (the 1985 Richard Dean Anderson version). I think Henry can disarm a bomb with a gum wrapper and a toothpick.

As an entrepreneur myself, I know for a fact that being a Jack of all trades has been very beneficial to my business, my team, my investors and my clients. I’ve been described in some circles as a real estate guru, others a marketing guru, others a training guru, etc. Some call me an educational, motivational, instructional, vocational and inspirational public speaker. Some call me a Preacher or Pastor because I’ve taught and preached in several churches. Yet, I have no formal seminary school training. Some call me a writer/author. My competitors in several octagons call me a well trained, advanced/professional level mixed martial artist. Some Catholics call me a painter. Go to Most Holy Trinity — St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn New York and look at the gold angels on the highest part of the ceiling.

I’ve run 3 marathons but I’m not a pro. I’ve danced in competitions for 3 different NYC dance schools. I’ve trained dogs for 2 law enforcement agencies. I’ve played trumpet for 2 Latin bands. I have a green thumb and love my plants. I raced & repaired motorcycles. I’ve sold everything from vacation packages, to colognes, to jewelry, to food, to puppies. I can shoot at a marksman level. Here’s a funny one. I played college ball and competed in college level swimming even though I am only 5'4" tall and have zero verticals. I should be a professional Dad since I am blessed with 9 kids in my life (7 awesome biological kids+ 2 awesome step-kids), but a pro I am not. My wife brags about my cooking and makes me feel like a master chef, even though I’ve been known to burn a couple of meals. There’s a few other talents I have that I’ll keep private.

Am I bragging on myself? NO! (Well, maybe just a little) See, I’m not a master of any of these skills. Actually, I’m not even close to being a master of any of these skills. But I am definitely a Jack of many trades, and all the glory for these skills goes to my Heavenly Father who blesses me, Our God. I understand that none of the things I am capable of doing are a result of my own doing, but that they are all the result or God’s grace upon me; on His anointing over me.

I will also tell you something that has helped all of my own company, my own businesses, my own ministry and my organizations prosper. This has also worked for those companies, businesses, ministries and organizations that and the businesses, companies and organizations whom have placed their trust in GC Rosario Group. It’s a strategy that made some groups very powerful throughout history, and which even made William Shakespeare unique in the theatre world. It is the skill of developing team members who can step in and help the experts when the experts are overwhelmed in their own tasks.

At GC Rosario Group, we create organizational structures that allow the worship director to step in for the lead pastor if the lead pastor is called away, and for the audio-visual guy to step in for the worship director if the worship director is called away, and for the pastor to step in for the av guy if the av guy is called away, etc. We create an environment where the sales director can handle the front desk if there’s an issue with the receptionist, and where the president of the company has knowledge of how to lead the marketing department if the marketing director is called away. We train leaders to lead by helping them become acquainted and capable of stepping into any part of the organization they lead, and to do an adequate job when doing so. That is how a real team operates. The general can pick up a weapon and fight if need be, and the soldier can step up and lead if called to do so. Believe me when I tell you that at our company, I have trusted pros who can step in and assist me in any given task even if it isn’t in their job description. See, all our team members are team owners. They know this baby is theirs.

I would love to hear about some of the skills you have that others may or may not know about. Let the world know about your Renaissance Man skills and abilities. Let’s celebrate the fact that you aren’t a flat, boring, two dimensional person, but that you posses many skills and interests across many areas, spanning across many fields. I don’t think there’s one single person alive who is only good at one single thing. Let’s explore what else you’re good at.

So the next time someone tries to discourage you from trying something new by throwing the Jack of all trades phrase at you, surprise them at how good you really are. Reply to them with the entire phrase, “Since the phrase is, 'a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one', how may I help you today?"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

George L. Rosario is a Brooklyn NY born & raised businessman & entrepreneur turned consultant. He started GC Rosario Group with his lovely wife Claudia. With over 30 years of service to the marketplace in NYC, George has relocated and been graciously adopted by the business community of South Florida. He now travels the country helping businesses and organizations thrive in today’s noisy environment. The post-Covid era forced many to close their doors, but also opened new doors of opportunity, growth and prosperity for innovative thinkers. George & Claudia Rosario help companies, businesses, organizations and teams develop the necessary skillset and plan of action to not just survive, but thrive in this new world. GC Rosario Group helps both secular and Christian based institutions meet their goals.