Linchpin

Are You Indispensable?

By: Seth Godin

Narrated by: Seth Godin

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)

Great book

Thank you Seth for this great book. I enjoyed it and will listen to it again snd again.

John Jenkins

Beyond Awesome. Seth all I can say I you have really nailed it here. Thanks Brad H, for the intro

Very Insightful

The author gives a thorough explanation as to why the work mindset has evolved. It is no longer permissible to advance in the workplace simply by working hard and doing what the job description asks of you. Nowadays, one’s true value is based on their creative and emotional artistry.

Just great

Become an asset by becoming an artist, must read!!! Book creates a great opportunity to change the world around you by first taking iniciative to do something about it instead of complaining, take action and make sure you help others when you get there.

Will be listening over and over

Wow, Seth Godin "shipped" his art in this book. Will definitely be listening continually so that his wisdom permeates deeply into my psyche and blossoms into my actions.

Thank you, Seth.

Amazing Book!

Perhaps the best book I've read to date. I highly recommend this one! Love Seth Godin. 👍

Not indispensable, but great.

What did you love best about Linchpin?

I really loved that it was open to anyone. It is not the kind of self serving book where the author just says he succeeded, how, and leaves you wondering if you could achieved similar success. It just hints at what you can do to improve your own person and, by improving yourself, improving your life. It is really better this way for me.

Any additional comments?

I don't know if I'd be right to say this, but I do think that everyone has their own talent, their own strenght and this book made me realize that even if we're full of weaknesses, we can succeed. Not necessarily by becoming rich, but by being just successful at being ourselves. So thanks to the author, and I hope this book can help a lot of other people seeing what's great in themselves and using it to be better persons.

Not a Cookbook

Looking for step by step instructions? Look elsewhere. This is much more. Insightful, inspiring and vital.

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.