Linchpin

Are You Indispensable? (Abridged)

By: Seth Godin

Narrated by: Seth Godin

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."

Please note: This is the abridged edition. An unabridged version is also available.

©2010 Seth Godin (P)2010 Random House Audio

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)

My First Seth Gordin Book

I really liked "Linchpin" but I can see how some might think that it's over the top. I've heard that many of the author's books are similar in content. I'll probably try another but with that more we're unabridged.

Great Book

This was an excellent read (i.e. listen). A friend of mine referred to me and I referred to a couple of people. Loved this book!!!

Best Godin Book Ever!!

I've been a fan of Seth Godin for a number of years now, and I'd have to say that this is by far his best book yet. I wish everyone would read this book -- especially every person who has anything to do with shaping our education system in this country. Everyone who runs for office, or already holds a government post, should have to read and comment on this book. You want to know why our economy is in the toilet -- and will continue to be so unless we radically change our way of thinking -- READ THIS BOOK!!!

Recommend

Seems a little slow paced, but it's nice to be able to actually hear and intake everything he says. This was a recommendation and I would recommend it also.

Great book! Very pragmatic insights

Seth Goodin does a phenomenal job of pouring emotional labor in to this book and assessing the audience with simplicity and pragmatism. I will recommend this strongly to anyone seeking a nudge to create art in whatever space you find yourself - pour emotional labor into it and create art!

Pep talk, anecdotes, but hardly transformative

What did you like best about Linchpin? What did you like least?

A few useful observations and anecdotes but nothing approaching big ideas or organizing frameworks. Classic Seth...part pep talk, part plea, some useful observations. In the end, makes you reflect (always useful) but left me wishing for more substance.

I enjoyed it.

it was well enough. there are some good points. I enjoyed the book