Are you indispensable? No? Are you sure? Anyone can be indispensable. You have it within you and so do I. It’s a choice. And, it’s becoming a necessary choice to succeed in the 21st century.
I took so many pages of notes while reading Linchpin. I don’t know if I can justify the insights in the book, but I’ll try.
I’m sure that you’ve heard of Seth Godin or have visited his blog or came across one of his books, Tribes , The Dip, Purple Cow , All Marketers are Liars, and Unleashing the Ideavirus among others.
You can also read his manifestos for free on ChangeThis , including his latest Brainwashed: Seven Ways To Reinvent Yourself.
His insights have changed how not only business people, but anyone who is interested in realizing their full potential. I knew that his blog was popular but found out that it’s one of the top 25 most widely read bloggers in the English language. He’s also the founder of Squidoo.
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable by Seth Godin is his 12th book since 1999 and I think it’s his best.
The book is so full of insights that it’s hard to focus on just one thing. I guess the main thrust of the book is that you need to become indispensable to be successful in the 21st century.
If you want a job where it’s okay to follow the rules, don’t be surprised if you get a job where following the rules is all you get to do. If you want a job where you take intellectual risks all day long, don’t be surprised if your insights get you promoted. – Seth Godin
Seth Godin talks about art, how we are all artists that have creativity and passion within us. But, because of what we have been taught (to fit in and follow the rules) like good little factory workers, that many people die with their art and passion within them. Many people are so scared to let their art and passion out and become who they were meant to be. Do you think that it’s an accident for most of the world that the workday starts at 9 and ends at 5? Who determined those hours? The factory owners, of course!
We’ve been taught to be a replaceable cog in a giant machine.
We’ve been taught to consume as a shortcut to happiness.
We’ve been taught not to care about our job or our customers.
And we’ve been taught to fit in.
We’ve been taught that this approach works, but it doesn’t (not anymore). – Seth Godin
The school system has been set up to produce people who can memorize facts and regurgitate by rote and has failed to develop people who can think creativity and solve problems.
A hundred years ago factory owners needed good little workers who showed up on time, did their work according to the written manual, and performed efficiently for the least amount of work. After all, one factory worker is just as good as the next one. The next one is probably cheaper, too.
This doesn’t satisfy the reality of the 21st century though. Factory workers were needed in the industrial age where factories created one widget after another after another after another.
In the Information age (or Internet age), a different worker is needed. One who has the ability to be think for themselves, to bring every part of themselves to work, to bring their genius and creativity with them no matter where they are. We all have to be artists.
An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo. – Seth Godin
Want to know why do we do things that are against our best interests and are self-destructive? Me, too. I found out from reading Linchpin that there are actually two voices in our heads. Godin can explain it better than I can about what he calls the ‘lizard part of our brain’ (the amygdala) and the civilized part of our brain.
We find out that it’s the lizard brain and the resistance that it throws at us in the several guises and distractions so that we question ourselves and don’t allows ourselves to shine through. That little voice in your head that tells you that you’re not good enough, not smart enough, didn’t get the right education or doesn’t have the right friends to succeed? It’s the lizard brain telling you this. It’s the lizard brain telling you to fit in, do your job and don’t become indispensable because it’s easier that way.
Your lizard brain…is working overtime to get you to shut up, sit down, and do your (day) job. It will invent stories, illnesses, emergencies and distractions in order to keep the genius bottled up. The resistance is afraid. Afraid of what will happen to you (and to it) if the ideas get out, if your gifts are received, if the magic happens. – Seth Godin
We must do the things that scare us in order to overcome the resistance. Seth Godin offers great anecdotes on how we can all accomplish this and be successful. Fear and anxiety can be overcome so that our own unique genius can be brought forth as a gift to the world.
You must become indispensable to thrive in the new economy. The best ways to do that are to be remarkable, insightful, an artist, someone bearing gifts. To lead. the worst way is to conform and become a cog in a giant system. – Seth Godin.
What can we do once we overcome the resistance that our lizard brain has put in front of us. We can adopt the Seven Habits of Linchpins and be indispensable.
The Seven Habits of Linchpins:
1. Providing a unique interface between members of the 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
Final words: At 236 pages, the book is almost overwhelming with thought-provoking ideas that Godin explains better than I can. If you are feeling dissatisfied and just know that you have more in you that you can offer to the world, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this book and to read it. The world is waiting for you to show your creativity and brilliance. We don’t need any more factory cogs.
I have great news for you. I bought two copies of Linchpin by mistake. My mistake is your good fortune. I’m having a contest where you can win a FREE copy of Linchpin just by leaving a comment at the end of this article telling me why you want to read the book. The contest will be open from today, Monday February 22 to Friday February 26th where I will choose one person from the comments and will mail them out a copy of Linchpin. Good luck and happy reading!
Update (02/26/2010): The winner of the free book is Ben Lumley, who was chosen randomly from all of the people who left a comment on the article this week. I’ll be sending out the book shortly to Ben. Congratulations, Ben! I hope you enjoy the book and let us know what you thought of it.
This is the second part in a 5-part series that I’m having this week on books. Here’s part one. I hope you enjoy this review and the upcoming ones.
Related Posts:
1. Are Books Worth The Money?
2. Book Review: Crush It: Why Now Is The Time to Cash In On Your Passion
3. My Top 5 Secret Success Factors
4. Book Review: The Leap
5. Book Review: The Alchemist
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{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been undecided whether to buy this book or not. Frankly, I don’t read a lot of marketing or self-help books; call it healthy skepticism. However, Seth Godin is, well different. I’m going to buy the book. Your review is great. Let someone else the extra copy. I have been meaning to look into this anyway.
Hi Hal,
I was actually pretty surprised that the book didn’t have any marketing spiel in it at all. As you know, Seth is an internet marketer, but he’s taken a different approach with this book and it’s all about you and how you need to overcome your fears, be artistic and be a linchpin regardless of your industry. It’s definitely worth picking up.
Thanks,
Karen
I’m looking forward to reading Linchpin because Seth himself feels so strongly about it. I own about half of his books now and have read 1 – 2 others. In fact, if you follow the CommentLuv link, you’ll be able to read a ten question interview that I conducted with Seth within the past couple of weeks.
I really want to see what he has to say about making ourselves indispensible.
Mark Dykeman´s last blog ..Thoughts from Seth Godin
Welcome Mark,
Thanks for the links to your ten questions with Seth – very interesting.
I’ve read most of his books as well and you can see the departure in this book very clearly. I can understand why he feels strongly about it – there are a lot of insights – far more than what I was expecting. It’s really full of useful information.
Thanks,
Karen
I have this book and currently reading it. I’ve only gone through half of it. I was overwhelmed by it. Definitely a ‘must’ read.
I just visited Seth’s blog and found out that the man had released bonuses for Linchpin. Go grab it..
Hi Eric,
It’s pretty overwhelming, I agree. I took a lot of notes and it was hard to parse down the information into just what I wrote. I could have wrote a lot more, but people should pick up the book themselves.
I didn’t know about the bonuses – thanks for letting us know. Going to do that now.
Thanks,
Karen
Karen,
Only read two books by Seth – Dip and Purple Cow. Everyone I read becomes the best book I ever read immediately. I love how his mind avoids the cliches and routines that we learn that we must master.
Hi Ralph,
Those were great books that I enjoyed reading, as well.
Thanks for stopping by.
Karen
Hi all -
I may be a lone voice — but I found the book frustrating on many levels. Most notably was the philosophical elitist tone … who says linchpins are more important than cogs. In fact without a fully functional machine, a linchpin is only a 69 cent bit of metal.
I also wonder how can we gift true art that is supposedly devoid of compensation when as this book suggested, it is grounded in the self serving desire to be indispensable.
Sorry – but it deeply disappointed. Read why here: “Chasing the indispensible Linchpin is not possible.” http://trenchwars.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/chasing-the-indispensible-linchpin/
Judy Shapiro´s last blog ..Chasing the indispensible Linchpin is not possible. Here’s why.
Welcome Judy,
I checked our your blog. Judy, I think you know that you’re not a cog, but I appreciate you giving an alternative viewpoint on the book.
I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with cogs, if that’s what one choose to be. As Seth says in the book, it’s okay if you want to be told what to do and when to do it in a factory, but if that’s not what you want out of life, there’s the linchpin path, too. I agree that we need cogs, but that doesn’t mean that I have to take the job on.
I also never got the impression from the book that artists shouldn’t be compensated well. In fact, on page 35 he talks about ‘when you’re not a cog in a machine, an easily replaceable commodity, you’ll get paid what you’re worth. Which is more.”
I’m sorry that you were disappointed in the book. There’s always the next one
Thanks,
Karen
Great review Karen
I’ve been a big fan of Godin for a few years now and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this – it sounds really good. Thanks
Ben´s last blog ..Time is not this giant, big, green monster that’s out to get you!
Thanks, Ben I think you will enjoy it.
Hi Karen, thanks for your review of this. I was a bit worried when I saw your post yesterday saying “I hope you’ve not bought a copy!”.
Having now read the article I can see why. Thanks for sharing. I have bought a copy but have not, as yet read it. I shall be looking forward to reading it this weekend.
Thanks for sharing. I would nominate Ben Lumley for the free copy as I already have one.
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..10 businesses you can start in your pyjamas
Hi Matthew,
Don’t forget to pick up the bonus material for the book (check the last two words on the last page) as that may go away soon. I think you’ll learn something new from the book, I know I did.
Glad that you enjoyed the review. Let me know what you think after you read it.
Thanks,
Karen
I am right in the middle of this book and am a bit divided on it. Like Judy, I think that it is almost elitist to assume that everyone should by “linchpins” although it should hit a nerve with everyone.
The thing that really stuck out for me in regards to this book is his take on reciprocation and how our society views it now versus how it used to be. He makes a point to point out that artists create art without the thought of reciprocation. As a musician, I have to disagree with this. People who do art may very well do art because they have to but in most cases, they are creating art so other people can experience or taste what it is the artist is trying to convey. So, that is the reward for most artists. It may not wind up being monetary, but there is still a reward.
Leo Dimilo´s last blog ..There is No ROI in Social Media…or is there?
Welcome Leo,
Great to see some alternative viewpoints on the book here. While I don’t think that everyone should or can be a linchpin, I do think that we have choices. if you don’t fit into the square peg anymore, then realize that and stop trying to be something you’re not. I also think that society has changed so much over the years and Godin makes a point that what worked while factory owners ruled the earth, doesn’t necessary work in this modern age.
I agree with your statements regarding artists, and particularly musicians. The vast majority of artists do it because that is who they are inside – they’re not in it for the money (although money is nice, too). They have to be creative because that’s why drives them and makes them happy. I wouldn’t want to live in a world without artists and musicians sharing their genius with us.
Thanks for the thoughtful response.
Karen
Karen,
I salute you for being able to publish a book review of Linchpin without getting overwhelmed with what to include!
I’m still going through the book, but it’s amazing how many useful insights Seth has on how the status quo has shifted and why we need to become linchpins. If I was to write a review, I’d probably quote the entire book!
I grabbed the audio version of the book, as well, so I can get more acquainted with the ideas. The book definitely deserves a few revisits.
Glad I came across your blog!
Haider´s last blog ..The Relative Self
Welcome Haider,
I know exactly what you mean. I had pages of notes and quotes from the book that I wrote down and it was hard to distill it all down into something that made sense. There are tons of useful information in the book that I couldn’t include.
Thanks so much for visiting and adding to the community here
Karen
I love Seth Godin – he is master of provoking endless reactions with just a short blog post, can’t imagine what will he do to me with this book. There is always so much to learn from him.
Karen, thank you so much for awesome book review. You are really putting in so much effort to read them and review for us. 5 books will be super fun.
I can definitely use this book since I am a student and budding entrepreneur. Living on eastern side of globe is like high-priced USA books X(. But I am sure I’ll win in! XD
King Sidharth´s last blog ..Ego v/s Self – War of the Worlds
Hi King,
I agree – there is so much we can learn from him. The book has a TON of useful and interesting information in it. I’m sure that you will enjoy reading it.
Well, we have two more days for people to leave a comment and win, too. Your chances are pretty good though
Thanks,
Karen
I can imagine! and it’s so exciting!
Yay! Thanks for considering me. Let’s see who wins!!
King Sidharth´s last blog ..Zazen: Easiest Meditation – The Art of Doing Nothing
It will be random so everyone has an equal shot of winning it.
Hi Karen,
Nice marketing strategy: “I will give a free book.” Works for me.
What I like of reviews is that those well done make me salivate and enjoy even more the book or restaurant in question. It seems that this one is well done. I am hungry. And afraid.
To be a Linchpin is a frightening advice. As a kid it is perhaps my biggest issue and that of my camarades in age. I am eager to see how Dr. Godin is treating it and hope no needle is involve.
Cheers,
Ian
Welcome Ian,
Glad that you liked the review. If you are hungry, maybe you should eat a sandwich or two
I know what you mean. I’m afraid, too. Being a linchpin carries with it a lot of responsibility – no more hiding in the great big factory and being safe as cog anymore. We might have to actually leave our cocoon’s and venture out where it’s dark and uncomfortable. But, I think we can do it. There’s a lot of people with nice bright torches leading the way.
Thanks for sharing and good luck!
Karen
Karen,
Good review, I must say. The comments have been good as well.
Just wondering what you would say about the new book, Prominence Power Kit: Dare to become a well known, highly admired and world changing VIP.
Hi Shanita,
I haven’t heard of that book, but it does sound interesting. I will have to add it to my wishlist.
Gald that you enjoyed the review.
Thanks,
Karen
Hi Karen,
Yes, I enjoyed it. Thank you again.
‘Prominence Power Kit: Dare to become a well known, highly admired and world changing VIP’ is hot off the press. http://www.amazon.com/Prominence-Power-Kit-admired-changing/dp/0984400524/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_5
Keep up the good work.