Linchpin

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“The world has changed (again) and the stakes are higher than ever. Now we’re facing a full-fledged revolution—a hypercompetitive world involving art and gifts and fear and the ability for you (for anyone) to make an indispensable contribution to something you care about. If you’re not indispensable (yet) it’s because you haven’t made that choice. My goal is to help you see that the choice is yours.” –Seth Godin, Linchpin

“Are You Indispensable?” This is the question New York Times Bestselling author Seth Godin forces readers to ask themselves in his book, Linchpin. In a world where corporations are continuously looking to cut costs and save time, laborers are being replaced by automation. Humans are losing jobs to machines. Companies such as Amazon and Wal-Mart are essentially taking over their respective markets by offering the same products at a lower price than any of their competitors. Everything is being done faster and cheaper. In this world, factory workers spend their time making average products for average people. Everything and everyone is becoming more average.

The world used to run on cogs--factory workers being told what to do and when to do it, following the maps provided by their bosses. Schools fed these machines by preparing students to comply, follow instructions, and complete assigned tasks, all while virtually eliminating the child’s creativity and freedom to explore and develop on their own. Technology has drastically altered the way humans interact with each other. Although designed to connect us, cell phones and the Internet have nearly eliminated direct human contact in many people’s lives. Even a person’s strongest and most primitive instincts are screaming for them to comply so they do not stand out.

Job security is low when people do not choose to make themselves indispensable. Workers follow their boss’ instructions because they think that is what the boss wants and that it will mean their job is more secure. However, this is just making them more replaceable, as the boss can now easily find someone who can follow the same instructions but is willing to do it for less pay. What their boss really wants them to do (whether the boss knows it or not) is create art.

These are some of the basic ideas behind Linchpin. Godin challenges the way people perceive the world, as well as their role in it. He does not set up a step-by-step map for how to become a leader or create art because that would automatically make anyone using it the exact opposite of what they were attempting to become. He explains the “lizard brain”, the part of the brain that controls the most primitive human instincts, and how it is the reason many people choose to not reach their potential. He encourages the importance and benefits of giving gifts and not expecting monetary value for them.

This book can be a valuable tool for anyone; especially those who work with people on a daily basis, those who feel like they have more to offer then what they are currently being “allowed” to, or those who need a push in order to get going and advance out of the position they are in.

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