One of my goals in life is to continue to learn new things and discovering new business ideas, and what better way to do that than by reading great books from great minds.
With a very busy schedule, it was getting harder and harder for me to keep up with my reading so I started listening to audiobooks instead. This week I finished “Linchpin – Are you indispensable?” By Seth Godin and below are the five takeaways I will remember forever.
No One is Irreplaceable
No matter how important or complicated you may think your role is at your company, you are replaceable. Over time, they can train other people to do their job. Your chance to minimize your replacement is by becoming more valuable. You must become a Linchpin.
A Linchpin describes by Seth:
“These people 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. They may not be famous but they’re indispensable. And in today’s world, they get the best jobs and the most freedom.”
Don’t Think, Just Do!
Corporate work only wants you to do, not think. You’re trained to follow the rules and do what you’re told so therefore there’s no creativity you’re supposed to be average, do average work repeatedly and you’ll be rewarded as long as you’re doing what is asked of you. However, in a world full of average only those who THINK and ACT with a purpose achieve great things.
Don’t Race to the Bottom, Race to the Top
I have to be honest, this one here I wish I followed a couple of years ago with my previous failed businesses. I always thought offering a cheaper product than the competition would ultimately win me more customers, but in the end, just like Seth said, I was only racing to the bottom.
You Can’t or You Won’t?
You have to understand the difference between what you say you CAN’T DO and what you DON’T WANT to do. In this world, anyone can do whatever they want so it really comes down to making decisions.
Do you want to do great things, or don’t you?
The Old American Dream
“Keep your head down, follow instructions, show up on time, work hard, suck it up and you will be rewarded” – Seth Godin
Do I really need to say more here? You get the point. Corporate is for those who truly are comfortable being a follower. Nothing wrong with following, but if you believe you can be better, create things that are more meaningful, and do work that will actually mean something – then forget the old American Dream and wake up.
The New American Dream
“Be remarkable, be generous, create art, make judgment call connect people and ideas, and then we have no choice but to reward you. ‘ – Seth Godin
