In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is a failure. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.

This quote from Seth Godin is exactly what you need if you have been wondering about why employees turn into replaceable cogs. For years, we have slogged (and in the hindsight dehumanized) our work. We have allowed people to put a price on us by squeezing out warmth and connection from our work. Don’t be surprised, we have a role to play in this commoditization.

But now, we need to put old ways behind and change the way we work. We need creative thinkers, initiators, and people who care and lead with purpose. We need more Linchpins who are remarkable in whatever they do.

A Linchpin? What sorcery is that?

A Linchpin is someone who is indispensable to an organization. Seth Godin has authored a book, Linchpin, where he has talked extensively about why you need to become a linchpin. In fact, not just for the organization, but for yourself as well. He argues that simply showing up for work, doing your day job and going home at the end of the day is just isn’t good enough anymore.

So, what exactly does the world needs?

Here is what Seth says- “The marketplace demands someone more human, connected, and mature. Someone with passion and energy, flexible in the face of change, resilient in the face of confusion. So, in order to become a linchpin your work should become developed and refined to the point where it is viewed as art, and you are seen as the artist behind the masterpiece.”

So, to become a linchpin, you have to step out of your comfort zone and breathe fresh air into stale ideas. Sometimes you’ll fail, sometimes you’ll succeed. But linchpins never bow down to failures. And that does not mean they are not fearless; instead, they acknowledge the fear and then proceed.

Can anyone become indispensable?

Of course, yes. The linchpins are not born with some magical powers. No! They are people like you, like me, who figured out that the present system is a mess. They just decided that they need to change the ways of their work and make a difference.

The best part about becoming a linchpin is that anyone can learn these skills. You just need to identify them and train yourself to get better at them.

In case, I have intrigued your interest, below are some qualities that can make you a Linchpin-

• • Linchpin contributes unique creative skills to the team. It’s not just deep domain knowledge which makes them different; they possess a unique talent to ship things by making smart decisions.

• • Linchpins are effective in managing difficult situations in the organization. They have this ability to walk into chaos and create order. You can rely on them for literally everything.

• • A Linchpin understands what they’re doing or what they’re building as a team. They own their work and they help find new answers or new ways of getting things done.

• • Linchpins inspire others to do great things. They help others in making things happen. And they do it without expecting anything in return. They do it because it gives them joy.

• • Linchpins always focus on moving. They challenge the resistance to push back the deadlines. They ship faster.

• • Linchpins make their own path. They don’t wait for someone to tell them what needs to be done!

Linchpin theory talks about both the flawed system of work in present times and how we can change things to be more effective. I hope all of you find the hidden artist inside you and use this opportunity to create a positive change.

Win.

Hugs,
Tarun