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Earlier this week I recorded a podcast with fellow creative coach Cynthia Morris, about what it takes to become a Linchpin, riffing on the ideas in Seth Godin‘s latest book.
We’ve done our best to draw out the practical implications of the book, both in the call and in a Worksheet full of questions to help you reflect and take action towards becoming a Linchpin in your own sphere of work.
Thank you to everyone who sent us questions about the issues raised in the book. We did our best to cover as many of these as possible in the call (and there are some e-mails on the way to those of you whose questions we couldn’t fit in).
Here are some of the topics we addressed during the call (which ran to 48 minutes):
- Can anyone be an artist (not just the guys with paintbrushes)?
- Are any of us truly indispensable?
- Is it easier to be a Linchpin as an employee or entrepreneur?
- How can you tell what your gift is?
- What can you do when the gift you give through your work is rejected?
- What are the rewards of doing emotional labor?
The audio file and worksheet are both released under a Creative Commons licence – which basically means you’re free to download and share them, with no opt-in required, as long as you credit us as the authors and don’t use them commercially. So do pass them on to anyone who you think would find them helpful.
Special thanks to Cynthia for suggesting we do this, it was fun and I hope the materials will be useful.
Enjoy!
[audio:http://media.libsyn.com/media/wishful/CynthiaMarkLinchpin.mp3]
Mark and Cynthia,
I didn’t know what an actual linchpin was until you explained it for me in the recording. Thank you.
What I found interesting is a linchpin is the pin that keeps the wheel together. In looking at a wheel, you may not notice the pin or its importance to how the wheel functions until the pin is removed.
The understanding of what is a linchin made me reflect on the fact that a Linchpin in a company does not have to hold an executive title or be the CEO.
You can be a Linchpin in whatever position you hold.
Another resounding truth brought up in the recording is the fact, “It’s not about me.”
I found you need to focus on the purpose as Cynthia stated, because it will lesson the emotional labor.
Lastly, I agree, if you are looking to be a Linchpin employee versus an entrepreneur, finding a boss who understands the value a what a Linchpin brings is critical to a successful business relationship.
However, unless a hiring manager or company who is looking for a Linchpin is willing to step out of the conventional hiring process, I don’t see how a Linchpin would be able to find a Linchpin boss and visa versa.
Can you imagine an interview for a Linchpin?
This would be an interesting interview, job title and description.
Sorry I missed the call but I appreciate the free downloads! Thanks
Marcy,
Thanks for listening and sharing what resonated with you. There’s so much to chew upon in this book.
What strikes me upon reading your comments is how much Linchpin is oxymoronic. For instance ‘It’s not about you” is so true, and what about the need for absolute authenticity in delivering your message? For that you have to dig into what it is only you can deliver.
I get the image of someone graciously holding the door open for someone and getting out of the way so the person can walk through.
This book is a great reminder for all of us to lead from wherever we are. It takes a lot of courage and commitment to lead in the face of mediocrity. But these days it seems like there’s no choice but to go for it.
Thanks again for sharing your perspective – I hope Linchpin has helped you lead more powerfully.
Love this discussion Mark and Cynthia.
The talk of what makes an artist is a big deal to me. My belief is it’s someone who is a practitioner. Someone who is continually looking to grow and reach a certain level of artistry. More on that here: http://davecharest.com/indie-artist
But the difference is clear in this regard: some people are happy being part of the machine, others are not.
As for security, it’s non-existant. It’s a falsehood to make us feel better.
Personally, I’d rather be the one dictating my course rather than leaving it in the hands of others.
Thanks Dave, yes I like the ‘practitioner’ definition. In my own case, some of my fellow practitioners shy away from using the title ‘poet’, but the original meaning of the word is simply ‘maker’ which is how I like to think of it.
Dave,
I agree with you about security. To me, security is only found in our ability to act on our strengths, as you so well describe Indie Artists.
Love your work! Thanks for holding the torch up for independent thinkers!
Thanks so much Cynthia. I appreciate that.
Also I love your take, “security is only found in our ability to act on our strengths.”
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just in case.