Linchpin

Are You Indispensable?

By: Seth Godin

Narrated by: Seth Godin

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

There used to be two teams in every workplace: management and labor. Now there’s a third team, the linchpins. These people invent, lead (regardless of title), connect others, make things happen, and create order out of chaos. They figure out what to do when there’s no rule book. They delight and challenge their customers and peers. They love their work, pour their best selves into it, and turn each day into a kind of art.

Linchpins are the essential building blocks of great organizations. Like the small piece of hardware that keeps a wheel from falling off its axle, they may not be famous but they’re indispensable. And in today’s world, they get the best jobs and the most freedom. Have you ever found a shortcut that others missed? Seen a new way to resolve a conflict? Made a connection with someone others couldn’t reach? Even once? Then you have what it takes to become indispensable, by overcoming the resistance that holds people back.

As Godin writes, “Every day I meet people who have so much to give but have been bullied enough or frightened enough to hold it back. It’s time to stop complying with the system and draw your own map. You have brilliance in you, your contribution is essential, and the art you create is precious. Only you can do it, and you must.”

©2010 Seth Godin (P)2010 Random House

Critic reviews

"It's easy to see why people pay to hear what he has to say." (Time)

"Thousands of authors write business books every year, but only a handful reach star status and the A-list lecture circuit. Fewer still - one, to be exact - can boast his own action figure. . . . Godin delivers his combination of counterintuitive thinking and a great sense of fun." (BusinessWeek)

"If Seth Godin didn't exist we'd need to invent him - that's how indispensable he is! You hold in your hands a compelling, accessible, and purpose-filled book. Read it, and do yourself a big favor. Your future will thank you!" (Alan Webber, Founder, Fast Company)

Favorite!!

I’m going to read all of his stuff. This book was absolutely amazing. I hope the rest are as well

Great Book for everyone to consume

I enjoyed this book in its entirety - Thus meaning that the book must be read in its entirety to truly embrace the teachings. I have had all of my employees read this book and discuss. I have had my high-school children read this book and discuss.

As a Professional Consultant to the medical and dental communities, I have been distributing this book the the management of many of my clients.

Perfect book the use as a personal development tool, and leader in group discussions.

Excellent Perspective

This book offers a really honest and interesting perspective on modern markets. Definitely a worthwhile way to spend a few hours of your time.

Very good!

Loved loved loved this book! Spoke to my heart! Highly recommend it!

going on my yearly listen list!

This was a great book with amazing points. I plan to pass out copies at work and read it myself yearly.

Redefines Business

A wonderful book. I have listened to it twice. It redefines how we should look at our personal careers and our customers. More than that, it defines how we should define the success of a business.

Seth does a great job reading the book himself.

EXCEPTIONAL!!!!

this book was exceptional and highly recommend for anyone interested in improving things around them to read

Great reading so far

so I finished this book my FIRST Seth Godin experience and yes it did resonate with me personally I'm a waiter so this is like gems in my pocket. Gold in your mine so to speak just mind it's wisdom cause it's very unconventional since Seth Godin really be labors the point home. This book is about GIVING your unique gift and making art instead of just showing up to work like a cog in the machine. Be the linchpin alright be big, brash, bold; be Indispensable! Giving is where it's at alright Giving is the Linchpins bread and butter so be open to this books powerful message that is seriously going to be returned to very quickly and reviewed often a I possibly can. without further ado I give you Linchpin :)

Game changer

Some stuff that's not easy to digest without ego or "the resistance" getting in the way, but well worth trying to truly listen to this and make changes in life.

Will be re-reading

Certainly a read I'll be discussing often with friends! Though my mind wandered at times there was a great deal of insightful helpful thoughts throughout.