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.”
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"This book resonated with/made me uncomfortable/challenged me on about 12 different levels at the same time. Really hits on and underlines what it means to be an artist/indispensable/worship daily/be generous/engage more humanly/do emotional labor. About pushing against barriers you impose on yourself and others impose on you. About giving gifts w/o any expectation of reciprocation. About shipping and creating connections between people. Spectacular."
— Marc (5 out of 5 stars)
" Just what i needed to read in this moment. Seth is brilliant and I recommend this book for everyone who wants to make a difference in your life, community or whatever they want it. "
— Guilherme, 2/11/2014" The book has some interesting concepts but is too long winded. I like the message of taking chances and fighting mediocrity, but I got bored half way through. "
— Mark, 2/8/2014" Not sure about this one. Mixed opinions here. "
— Darrell, 1/25/2014" es un libro increible! "
— Ignacio, 1/20/2014" This is a decent book with some interesting insights. Many of the suggestions are common sense while other insights are uniquely Seth Godin. "
— J, 1/5/2014" This is one to keep. Pithy observations and heartfelt encouragement to give your art to the world. "
— Mark, 1/4/2014" "Internet is crack cocaine for the resistance." ~ Godin "
— Tammy, 12/26/2013" "Excellent and personal book from Seth Godin. If you're struggling with where to head in regard to your future and career, I recommend this book strongly." "
— Jeff, 11/27/2013" Good book, more of a bathroom reader as it's a massive series of snippets, not entirely coherent. But lots of good points. "
— Steve, 11/25/2013" Godin has some good ideas for people who want to become indispensable in their organization. My biggest complaint is the repetition of key ideas - this book could have been condensed into about 35 pages. "
— Jeanne, 11/22/2013" Godin doles out solid, sensible advice for those looking to find their place in the modern workforce. "
— Mark, 10/13/2013" As always with the writings of Seth Godin, the book Linchip is a 'most read' as I see it. There's truly hope for mankind with great thinker and writers like Seth! "
— Anders, 7/26/2013" This book is no get rich quick or promoted this quarter manual. It's solid, candid and direct advice on how to navigate in a career or business pursuit within today's corporatized, stale economy. It dramatically changed how I approach my employment and daily work. I'm grateful to have read it. "
— M., 12/17/2012" Strange, I really feel like I'm already following Seth's advice yet still have far to go to do art! Read it to become an indispensable linchpin. "
— Marcin, 11/23/2012" Some good points in there but mostly things you can find in older classical self-help books. Positive: Quite motivational. Negative: As usual, when you find out you cannot reach the heights described in the book you start feeling like shit. "
— Babak, 11/19/2012" I would consider this book important reading material for many, especially with the reality of job security and the changing landscape of business. "
— Dene, 11/1/2012" One of Seth's best... "
— Luke, 11/29/2011" As my friend Doug says, if you're only going to read one Seth Godin book -- and you should only read one -- this is it. "
— Rebecca, 11/1/2011" Everyone should learn to be a Linchpin "
— Bjorn, 10/16/2011" Seth Godin offers great advice regardless of your age. However, if you happen to be a college student (like myself) then it's essential. In this economy, employers view their employees as an investment. This book covers how to become the sort of investment that employers find difficult to turn down. "
— Courtney, 9/6/2011" Pretty good book with a lot of useful thoughts. Definitely I will try to adapt as mush as I can. "
— Tihomir, 9/2/2011" I think that this is one of the best business/life/spiritual books out there and I've read a ton. Seth is a brilliant writer and knows how to write from a place that speaks to everyone.<br/> "
— Jen, 5/23/2011" I devoured this book. Read this now or before you look for your next job. "
— Stephanie, 5/22/2011" I loved this book. I look forward to putting my heart into my art and giving the gift of my best work for the rest of my life. "
— Bruce, 5/17/2011" Thought-provoking and motivating. Makes you realize that work can and should be art. "
— Tia, 5/12/2011" Best marketing mind of our generation. EVERY writer should follow Seth Godin if they want to stay current with the changing face of publishing. "
— D.K., 5/11/2011" Fun business book that will make you think. "
— David, 5/2/2011" A fascinating read on work as art in the post-industrial economy. "
— Brett, 4/29/2011" The writing style is really grating which means I must like the content as I finished reading it. "
— Daniel, 4/29/2011" Don't let the stupid pop-business-book subtitle and cover fool you. This is a fantastic (if disjointed) riff on the way business has changed in the last twenty years and great inspiration for anyone who wants to make change that matters, whether in their current job or on their own. "
— Gabe, 4/26/2011" This is most certainly a non-conventional wisdom book that will have you rethink your role within an organization! If you are a top contributor (an artist in delivering) how well will you fit in an organization that is composed of lowest-cost compliant workers (cogs in the production line)? "
— Enrique, 4/26/2011" feels like the ideas so far out of reach. but Godin makes you into an artist. page by page. argument by argument. "
— Julia, 4/11/2011Seth Godin is the former Vice President of Direct Marketing at Yahoo! and the founder of Squidoo.com. His blog is one of the most popular marketing blogs in the world. Godin is the author of over a dozen books, all of which have been bestsellers. Notable titles include Tribe: We Need You to Lead Us, Poke the Box, and Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable. He has been a speaker at numerous large companies nationwide, including Disney, Cadillac, eBay, Google, Amazon, Eddie Bauer, and many others.