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)

Amazing book I will listen again and again. A+++++

Amazing book Lots of awesome information and lots to consider and incorporate into practice Be great

Probably explains why our business plan isn't working

I work at a non-profit organization that is growing in size of facilities and dreams but we seem to be held back. As we are progressing some are trying to create more structures and procedures that will help us. This book showed me that our interest needs to be in our people, not our 5 step plan to increase work productivity

A must re-listen!

Thank you, Seth Godin, for calling my bluff. I will listen to this book again and again. I will share with my young adult kids and with colleagues. I have purchased the paperback so that I can tangibly reference regularly. Thank you for this beautiful gift!

Very Thought Provoking

For a career "corporate" guy, this was very challenging to read. But in a good way.

Thank you. Lost sparks were rekindled.

It was comforting having personal ideas and insights rephrased in a way that now I understand myself better.

Fantastic — 5 Stars. Will buy the physical book.

Thank you, Seth, for an excellent, succinct, grounding and human take on success. By encouraging readers to embrace our individuality, create, ship and share generously and be mindful and humble, among other things, you provide a wonderful collection of valuable reminders to live by.

Inspiring!

Great book! Seth really made me think about bringing my authentic self, with all of that untapped innate creativity, to everything I do.

Inspiring.

must read

this is a must read for anyone who wants to be successful. no matter where you are, or who you are, there is value here!

Amazing

Another great book for anyone looking to improve themselves personally and professionally.

I have a few more of Seth’s books on my list.

Compelling and eye-opening.

This was definitely one of the best audio books I've ever listened to. It's informative and inspiring at the same time. Seth Godin does a wonderful job narrating the book. He has a true knack for narration. Will definitely listen to it a second time.