‘‘The system we grew up with is based on a simple formula:Do your job.Show up.Work hard.Listen to the boss. Stick it out.Be part of the system.You’ll be rewarded.That’s the scam. Strong words, but true.You’ve been scammed.You traded for years of your life to be a part of a giant con in which you most definitely not a winner.’‘ (p. 14)
W H Y G R A B I T A N D R E A D IT
Well, that is something to think about.As a motivational book lover, after ‘’GIRLBOSS’’ and ‘’The Bingo Theory’’ I was looking for a valuable material to review. Seth, I’ve been looking for you. The book is for those who are restless or tired from being an ordinary slave to labour. Who is tired and bored of rules. Who want to build business or is not ready for it just yet, but wants to change his job routine here and now. This research, which Seth Godin provides us with, is full of contemporary examples of people who are linchpins or became linchpins in their life. But who are these mysterious linchpins who have great jobs and feel great at doing what they do?
I was watching another vlog by Alex Ikonn and his monthly May favorites and TA-DA it hit. (You can watch him here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q7DUUWmqsQ) This book was featured in his monthly favorites. I was looking to read something for a while, but nothing really catched my eye amongst these authors such as Timothy Ferris and Ron Friedman. I guess I am not ready to start my own business or maybe I am just not sure yet. I am just fed up of being fed of being at work and looking for the right place. I am restless and I believe it is for my benefit. So, ‘’Linchpin’’ enters my life in the face of an emotional catharsis. Don’t know if I will ever be a CEO, but I am a linchpin for sure.
T H E R E U S E D T O B E T W O T E A M S : M A N A G E M E N T A N D L A B O U R
N O W T H E R E I S A T H I R D T E A M : T H E L I N C H P I N S
Seth Godin sees a linchpin in those who are not afraid to release their inner geniousness. Geniousness does not have to be something extraordinary, its just being creative! Creative, not as in artistic, but as in your genuine approach and your strong will to gamble. In today’s economy, the word creative is full of ambiguities. Today’s economy needs more than just a factory worker. It needs an inventor. Everyone can have an A grade CV or a graduate diploma from Oxford University. But what can make you stand out really? Although all these words might seem daunting, Seth makes it clear that being a linchpin involves emotional, and not just physical labour. Its about connecting with your heart, doing good and doing more than it says in your job requirement book or contract. Inventing new ways of approach and not following the map. There is always someone who creates an extraordinary work place and let it be you.
For example, here is a differentiation between worker as a linchpin and working as worker. A story that happened with me and happens with all of us all the time.A few days ago, on an ordinary working Saturday after a day at work, I sat at Victoria Station waiting for my train to go home.My train was running late and the board wasn't showing a platform at which it suppose to arrive.Usually, its Platform 2. It was 20:00, and my train leaves at 20:07.I asked a gentleman who works for Southeastern Train Company when does my train arrive.He just waved his hand towards the right platform and murmured that it should stop there.20:05 and I am still waiting.I see people running towards Platform 1 as there was a train. I thought:"Why are they all running?Is it my train after all?". I stood up and asked him again as he was standing next to a bench with a bored face."Sir, is this my train on the left?".He nodded and said yes with no emotion. So, there I am running like crazy to another platform with hope to get on the train at time and cursing the guy for his laziness and irresponsibility, meanwhile a person who works for transport company is not caring about passengers.I was almost late for my train that takes me 45 min to get home. It might seem as nothing special, but small details like this make a difference. It made a huge difference to me that day. After this, I decided that no matter how I am annoyed at work, it will not harm me to be even more nicer and try harder at work when not feeling like it. I am responsible for my own wellbeing and I can bring happiness and kindness to every customer. I can make their day nicer by just complimenting or offering service I have never offered before. Seth calls such emotional labour as a gift. Don’t wait for reciprocity, but I can say for sure you will receive it some way or the other. It works.
Y O U H A V E T H E P O W E R O F G I F T I N G
Yesterday, I decided to implement an emotional gift. I sat at a restaurant on my own enjoying my little lunch at a Venetian restaurant ‘‘Polpo’’ in Sloane Square,London. I love exploring new places and it was a nice weather for a nice lunch outside. I am not scared to eat on my own and I sat. To my surprise, there were a lot of people of their own and I liked it. Its nice sometimes to have time to yourself. The weather who was serving me was really nice. After a finished my meal, I stacked my plates together neatly so it is easier for him to collect. He thanked me by saying: ‘’It’s very kind of you.’’ I smiled. Its a nice feeling when you appreciate other jobs. For him, it might be another day at work and I wanted to be a person who could have made him feel better. I was a waitress myself and I know the job. When he brought over my bill, I saw a service charge at the bottom. I decided to leave more. I know how nice it is when customers leave more that is required. He repeated the same phrase: ‘’It’s very kind of you. Thank you.’’ I could see it has made his day and it has made mine. I didn’t gain any money, but I gained emotional pleasure from pleasuring someone else. I felt like a linchpin. I am learning,Seth.
O N T H E B O O K I T S E L F/ C O N T E N T S/L A Y O U T
Seth made it easy for us. It is readable and full of modern examples by or influencers such as Bob Dylan, Elizabeth Gilbert, Steve Jobs and just ordinary people who are on the way of becoming great linchpins. He mentioned pilots, factory workers, his friends and family. And Seth himself. And I can mention more people like J.K.Rowling who published Harry Potter after 13th rejection.
INTRODUCTION:HOW WE GOT HERE?
IS IT POSSIBLE TO HARD WORK IN A CUBICLE?
THE RESISTANCE (Why can’t we do it or what stops us?)
THE POWERFUL CULTURE OF GIFTS
THE CULTURE OF CONNECTION
THE SEVEN ABILITIES OF A LINCHPIN
This book has also recently influenced me at a job interview and it worked.I felt myself more than before. It was the best interview I had ever had. I got the job.At your next job interview, make sure to read it beforehand for inspiration. Everyone need linchpins in their workplace. If you cant yet be great at your own thing, be great at your job.It doesn’t cost. But is will make you cost more on the job market. And if you are not valued, don’t be afraid to leave. You don’t want to work where your are not being seen. Spend time on companies that will see.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linchpin-Indispensable-career-create-remarkable/dp/0749953357/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1499197285&sr=1-1&keywords=linchpin
