Value

Seth Godin describes a Linchpin as somebody in an organization who is indispensable – who simply cannot be replaced because their role is just far too unique and valuable. Making things worse, he then goes on to say how important it is for all of us to become indispensable, for not to be indispensable is tantamount to economic and career suicide. Encouraging somebody to make the most of their talents and abilities is quite laudable – encouraging them to become indispensable is flawed advice which I find to be quite troubling. I would submit following Seth’s advice by attempting to become a linchpin won’t protect or advance your career, but it might just get you fired.