Then I explain. A Generalist is aptly named. In a start-up, we do it all. We are right in the middle of organizational development, forecasting, recruiting, compensation and benefits design, training, conflict mediation, handbooks, and orientations. We establish prediction, retention and persistence.
Stable retention creates predictable production, which in turn contributes to profitability.
So now we have a simple idea of what a Generalist does. And they are not on the same level of responsibility or compensation. And, for example, even in the least complex of start ups, there is a division of the company that makes the product, and there is a division of the company that sells the product. So that means there is a divisional structure of some kind. With these two givens, it would make sense that much grief could be avoided by simply letting the staff know what division they belong in and who their boss is.