Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?

Linchpin:  Are You Indispensable?  by Seth Godin             Audio Book:  8 hours, 27 mins.       Hardback Book:  256 pages                   

Excellent feel good book.   Very motivational – showing that no matter what your position with an organization you can be a star by being indispensable.   A new spin on loving what you do or don’t do it.   He discusses how if you don’t feel like you are appreciated for your creativity why stay in a job that will only make you more and more miserable and where you will never rise above the position you currently hold.   He decries accepting mediocrity because it will make you an old school cog in the system.   Never allow yourself to stagnate in the position you are in.   If the organization you work for refuses to accept your creativity move on.    He likens our work to art that we as artists create.    He says all linchpins do two things for the organization they exert emotional labor and they make a map.  He says these contributions take many forms and here are some of the things that make you a linchpin (indispensable) to your boss and to your organization:

1.)     Provide a unique interface with the members of your organization.

2.)     Delivering unique creativity.

3.)    Managing a situation or organization of great complexity.

4.)    Leading customers.

5.)    Inspiring staff.

6.)    Providing deep domain knowledge.

7.)    Possessing a unique talent.

He cautions that we have gone against our true nature and become dehumanized because people try to brainwash us to settling.    Godin says “Don’t settle!  You are a genius and we, the organization and the world need your contribution.”  He said things just keep getting more homogenized and cheaper, compartmentalized, corporatized (his term – is that a word?) and the lack of personal contact is dehumanizing us all.   He says if you are only there for the paycheck you have already lost.    Trying makes you an artist and allows you to try again.    He adds artists always give without expecting to get anything in return and if you give enough to the right people your gifts will be appreciated and that you should create moments where your boss can take credit (then your efforts will not only be appreciated but reciprocated)  they will remember you made them look good and won’t want to lose you ergo you become indispensable to have around.    He says remember boxes have boundaries you cannot escape so if your efforts aren’t being appreciated and rewarded it is time to embrace a new path.    Why kill yourself or do amazing things when your creativity is constantly being stifled?   If it is not a good fit and you are not happy and acknowledged for all your good work, great ideas and ceaseless efforts to make things better – GO!   Find you niche elsewhere.  Do the work and specialize – that is what your competitors are doing.   He says make a difference, stand for something, change the world!   I love this guy’s enthusiasm.      He also talks about the placebo affect and how if we believe a thing is good it is or will be.   He suggests using this strategy with our co-workers.   Even if they come across as other than pleasant believe in their being good, continue to treat them well as if they are good.  He says the people you work with will not change unless you believe.   Keep in mind even when things get bumpy as they will in all facets of life from time to time –  no airplane has ever crashed from turbulence – you just ride it out till you get through it.    You are an artist, you have many talents, let your light shine.  If others don’t like it, its because they don’t have the desire to excel they prefer to stay in the dregs of mediocrity don’t ever let anyone pull you down in the abyss of mediocrity.   You are a star not a cog.     He also asks that if you find this book helpful he hopes you read it again and that you recommend it to others.   I am hereby recommending this book to everyone.   It is an excellent read.