I enjoyed reading Seth Godin's book Linchpin: Are You Indispensible? Godin's premise is that there's a new class of workers beyond the laborers and managers called the linchpins. Too many of us assume the role of a physical laborer which is nothing more than a replaceable cog or a wheel in a big machine. The truth is we are more like irreplaceable linchpins that bring emotional labor and humanity to our organizations.
I love the idea of approaching work as an artist with a passion to delight people. It speaks so much about the uniqueness of our individuality and the gifts we offer the world. Godin's gift to us is simply awakening us to our inner linchpin and changing our approach to work or life.
To be fair, it took me a while to get used to his writing style, because I was expecting another research based business book. Then I realized that it was more blog-like in nature with anecdotal thoughts wrapping around the linchpin theme. I suggest you just start with the simple insight that you are linchpin, and then enjoy the ride as you discover ways that you already are.
- Marvin
