Linchpin: Are You Indispensible - Seth Godin (2010)

 Linchpin was recommended to me by my friend and colleague Dr. Noreen O'Neill to whom I am very grateful.

Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and highly sought-after speaker.  Godin holds degrees in computer science and philosophy and earned his MBA at Stanford.

Godin proclaims at the beginning of Linchpin that each and everyone of us is a genius.  He challenges us to think of the times when we have experienced an insight or solved a problem that eluded everyone else. At these times, our inner genius momentarily emerged from within.  In most cases, unencouraged and uncultivated, it then quickly retreated to the inner confines of our being.

Over time, Godin observes, social institutions such as schools, government and corporations, extinguish the genius and artistry within us in exchange for the perception of security and stability.  Society's suppression of our personal genius maintains a social and economic order developed during the industrial age.  A time when cheap, easily replaceable workers were needed to fill our factories and businesses.  Workers served as cogs on the wheel of industry and nothing more.

Today's economy, however, rewards a different type of worker.  A worker capable of creativity, innovation and artistry.  These are the people who are indispensable.  They are the "Linchpins."

Godin is careful to point out that the artistry and genius exhibited by Linchpins are not reserved to esoteric pursuits.  Linchpins bring personal commitment and passion to a task, no matter how menial.  The Linchpin always seeks to bring about change that will improve a product, a situation or an experience.  The Linchpin is not afraid to explore new paths or accept new challenges despite ambiguity and uncertainty of success.  The Linchpin is a map maker.

Unleashing one's genius and artistry requires great courage.  Many internal and external elements conspire to discourage both.  Godin refers to these collectively as "the resistance."

Externally, social institutions such as school, government and corporations encourage obedience and conformity.  They demand compliance and deference to authority.  These traits are antithetical to genius and artistry.  They are an anethma to the Linchpin.

Internal resistance, though, proves far more powerful in suppressing our willingness and ability to create and bring about change.  Fear of failure or ridicule inhibits many from taking the risks necessary to achieve their genius potential.   Godin notes that this fear has a physiological origin emanating from the most primitive parts of the human brain.  Godin calls this the "Lizard Brain."

Overcoming the resistance requires "passion," a passion that makes facing the risk of failure, criticism and even ridicule worthwhile.  Overcoming the resistance requires significant emotional labor and a desire to bring about change that is so strong that one views it as a gift, not a transaction.

As an educator, I found Godin's indictment of education to be both disturbing and valid.  As education in America moves more and more towards standardization and punitive accountability, what is to become of our artists and geniuses?