I’m a follower of Seth’s Blog so I’m pretty used to his style of writing which is also evident in his books I’ve read. To me, his works come with a personal touch, like you have a mentor instructing you one on one. And before long, I find myself digging into his work. Just like Tribes which I read back in January, Linchpin merges helpful ideas and reminders with insightful suggestions to give the reader a recipe (if I may call it that) for becoming indispensable..the book is pretty straightforward so below is just a summary for those who might want to consider reading it, and also as a reminder (for me).
Linchpin encapsulates, for me, the idea that work is a lot different from what it used to be some decades ago. Where you have job security by working for a company and doing the same thing that is expected of you everyday for years just so you can retire with a decent pension. The kind of work that you probably don’t need some serious thinking to do.
That time has passed. People are being replaced everyday because a thousand other people can offer what you’re offering at a cheaper rate. And if the employer can get the same thing for cheaper, why not? His aim is, after all, to make maximum profit and the lowest possible cost.
Beyond that, I think most people are no longer satisfied with that kind of arrangement. So they keep moving from one job to another, not getting the satisfaction they seek. But the crucial thing they miss through it all is that the main problem is not with the job (I mean, we already understand the system is screwed and is no longer working for us) but with themselves. Like Einstein said, “We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” The times require us to change our approach to work for us to get a different outcome that actually works for us.
That is where the Linchpin comes in.
The linchpin is an artist regardless of the field or industry he finds himself. He is someone who has taken the initiative to go beyond what is asked of him to deliver beyond the expectation of his employer so that he is not just another cog in the machine. Now, he is indespensable. When things get tough, he is not the first person that you let go off because you understand the value of his work, be it as a customer care representative or a sales person, whatever.
The linchpin is the person that values her work enough to bring that unique element she knows she’s the only one that can bring. And then she gives it to the rest of us as a gift. Because she actually loves what she does. Because that personal touch she puts is not necessarily part of the job description and the next person you put in that position might not offer it. That’s why it’s a gift. Because it’s not motivated by the pay you offer her. It came as a gift, and she sees the pay as just an addition for doing what she loves. And that’s why we love her and value her.
Seth stated that, “The combination of passion and art is what makes someone a linchpin.”
This holds true for those who work for a boss as well as those who are self employed. You can be an artist anywhere you are.
“Nothing in this book argues that you need the perfect boss to become indispensable. I’m saying that if you become indispensable, you’ll discover that you get a better boss.
So the challenge is to develop yourself, go out there and give the world your gift. Because we need you.
