Review of ‘Linchpin- Are you indispensable’ by Seth Godin
Imagine you’re at the supermarket and you’re trying to find a pack of batteries. Now, it may go either of the two ways:
You find a salesperson ask him or her where to find a pack of batteries, and then you’re directed towards the correct aisle, and by the time you turn to thank them, they’ve already gone.
Now imagine this, you’re looking for someone to help you, and even before you ask anybody, a neatly dressed guy in an apron with the supermarket logo shows up and asks, ‘Sir, are you looking for something, can I help you?’ and the moment you mention the batteries, he personally walks you to the correct aisle, and helps you select the right pair of batteries, and asks if there is anything he can assist him with.
I am sure you would have encountered both these kinds of salespersons, and both of them are doing their jobs correctly, as both of them helped me make the purchase, but which supermarket would you go to, next time when you need something, the first one or the second one?
Without the slightest hesitation, we would prefer to visit the supermarket with the second salesperson in it.
Average is over..!
There was a time not long ago when job security and apparent stability were all the craze, but now the illusion of security is gone and people need artists who create their own maps. Society doesn’t reward the average, obedient, and agreeable employees anymore.
where does average come from?
- The society that has brainwashed you into mediocrity and made you a rule-following robot
- The resistance within us puts the fear of failure and embarrassment in the forefront and forces us to play safe
You cannot be a dispensable cog in the corporate conglomerate.
Do not internalize the industrial model. You are not one of the myriad interchangeable pieces, but a unique human being, and if you’ve got something to say, say it, and think well of yourself while you’re learning to say it better.
David Mamet
The Choice
It’s up to us whether we want to be replaceable employees who are underpaid, overworked, stressed, and laid-off as easily as getting a cup of coffee, or we could be indispensable, we could be linchpins.
A linchpin is someone who can work in situations without a precedent, she carves her own path and draws her own maps, and comes up with a solution that changes the way things are done.
Basically, she’s the person who creates forward motion in an organization with her gifts and art.
The Qualities of a Linchpin
- Providing a unique interface between members of the organization
- Delivering unique creativity
- Managing a situation or organization of great complexity
- Leading customers
- Inspiring staff
- Providing deep domain knowledge
- Possessing a unique talent
So who exactly is an artist?
In the words of Seth Godin himself:
Artists are people with a genius for finding a new answer, a new connection, or a new way of getting things done. They are someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo, and there is always a personal touch involved. Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient. The medium doesn’t matter. The intent does. Art is a personal act of courage, something one human does that creates change in another.
What is Art you ask..?
Art is created by an artist. Art is unique, new, and challenging to the status quo. It’s not decoration, it’s something that causes change. Art cannot be merely commerce. It must also be a gift.
Conclusion
While the rest of the world is in a rat race for the bottom where they’re looking for cheap and replaceable labor let us be in touch with our passions and give the world the unique gifts we possess through art and make the world a better place.
“𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬
Amazing Review! Thanks!