Want to supercharge your career? Become a linchpin

Become indispensable — and massively valuable — by bringing remarkable passion and creativity to your work.

One of the most influential books on personal development ever written, in my opinion, is Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin. It teaches an amazing new mindset for looking at your career, with lessons that are even more relevant today than when they were written.

In Linchpin, Godin makes a compelling case that the traditional, unwritten contract between employer and employee — work hard, do what you’re told, follow the rules and we’ll give you job security — is irrevocably broken. Factory work and even low-value white collar jobs continue to be replaced by automation, offshoring, contract work and a myriad of other forces.

The only people who have job security today are what Godin calls “linchpins” — creative souls who bring unique perspectives, ideas and passion to their work, and transform it in the process.

Linchpins are committed to making a difference in their work. They bring art and passion and creativity to their work. They make connections and see trends and emerging issues that the rest of us can’t even imagine. They contribute massive value to their organizations.