I am so glad you are reading Seth Godin’s Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?. The book rocked my world. And I am so excited to share it with you. I think it will make a difference in your life.
My desire is that our company would become the type of organization that develops “linchpins.” In order to do that, we need to put Seth’s ideas into practice. I am striving to do that myself.
I would love to hear what you thought about the book in the comments section below. Also, feel free to leave any questions or insight you may have to help your colleagues.
Questions: What did you think about Linchpin? What specifically spoke to you?
Okay, I stand corrected. I've read the Introduction, and it's not as painful as I thought it might be. I joke that I make books, I don't read them…especially heavy ones about big topics like business. The intro though, has me hooked. I feel strong (thanks Marcus) when I can use my creativity to equip or encourage people around me. Seth uses words that feed my need, my DESIRE, to be indispensable, to develop myself and others in the process. (It doesn't hurt that he refers to me as a genius… *grin*). I might actually make it through this book, and LIKE it! Thanks for this…
Fantastic. I will be eager to see what you think when you finish.
Just finished reading, Linchpin. It was great. It challenged me to give more than I have been. I posted a new blog entry on it:
http://damonreiss.com/2010/02/12/linchpinare-you-...
I hope I can quiet the lizard brain, I got some art to make.
My recent post Linchpin:Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin -a Book Review
Wonderful, Damon. Great blog post, too.
Most intriguing quote so far: "When your organization becomes more human, more remarkable, faster on its feet, more likely to connect directly with customers, it becomes indispensible."
I see that happening at TNI in many ways…hopefully that process will infect everything we do.
That is my prayer, Wayne. We can do this!
Seth says, “We can’t profitably get more average. We can’t get more homogenized, more obedient, or cheaper…Every successful organization is built around people. Humans who do art.” I love that idea. In this market, it’s more tempting than ever to hunker down and blend in. But there’s no (good) future in being average and compliant.
Amen to that!
I love this thought from Godin: "Finding good ideas is surprisingly easy once you deal with the problem of finding bad ideas. All the creativity books in the world aren't going to help you if you're unwilling to have lousy, lame, and even dangerously bad ideas." There's amazing freedom to try, to experiment, and to learn if that's your mentality.
I finished reading the Linchpin on my trip to Houston. I agree with the bid idea of the book– we can all become linchpins. In particular I like his characterization of innovation, the tenacity to fight for a different point of view, and creative ideas all as ART. I had never really considered art in such a broad concept. I definitely want to be a linchpin. I especailly liked Seth's phase "Never let the lizard brain send an email".
Hi Mr. Mike-
I finished Linchpin last night and truly enjoyed the book. I think this book, along with any of Marcus Buckingham's books would make a great graduation gift. I think the hardest part of becoming a Linchpin though is actually discovering what it is you are good at (or as Marcus says, what makes you feel strong).
I personally took comfort in Godin's take on education. As the parent of a gifted, yet impulsive, disorganized son, I saw a lot of my son in the pages. He doesn't do well "doing school" as the author likes to say. But I came away from this book with some ideas on how to keep him encouraged and hopefully he too can become a linchpin.
Thanks again Mr. Mike for the book!
Finished Linchpin last night. I love Seth's concept of your job is your job but your work that you do on your job, well that is your art. I highly recommend the book for anyone in any stage of their career. He has such a unique writing style that really causes one to think. I'd love to hear Seth speak at one of our all employee meetings.
Thanks Mike!
Thanks for the book, Mike. It’s filled with great insight…perhaps not new stuff… but great concepts presented with an “in your face” twist and a level of extreme urgency. Times are changing…at an accelerating pace…but the idea of giving 100% at whatever one does is timeless. 100% one day may not be the same 100% the next…but give it what you’ve got. It aligns with every environment, every situation. The best nugget for me was the concept that the tired wisdom of “find your passion and you will excel” is hogwash. Give your ALL at ALL times… to whatever it is that you do…and your passion will find YOU. I coulda’ used this when I was 18…hopefully, I can get my teenagers to read a bit of this. I could use some more “passion” from them around the house (more passion, less drama). Seriously…vital information for us all…especially upcoming generations. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing the book with each of us. I enjoyed reading it and walked away with many questions and a lot to consider.
In the letter accompanying Linchpin, you said the book would “teach you how to go from being a cog to being a ‘linchpin,’ someone who is indispensable.” That is what I am still searching for after finishing the reading. Godin tells us, “Here’s the truth that you have to wrestle with: the reason that art is valuable is precisely why I can’t tell you how to do it. If there were a map, there’d be no art, because art is the act of navigating without a map.” (188). There are so many wonderful truths and challenging ideas in the book; I struggle with finding the “how,” looking for a map, deciding where to begin.
So, I’ll start with something simple. I loved the section about when you meet someone, have a superpower (222). My superpower is being good with people, and as I transition into a new role at Live Events, I’m working out my art with people. We’ll see how that first step leads to the next and the next…