A linchpin. Why in the world would you want to be a linchpin? The insert from the dictionary under “Linchpin” is; “a pin inserted through the end of an axletree to keep the wheel on.” So I think the real question is, why wouldn’t you want to be a linchpin? In life, but for sure your career! One of my favorite books is Seth Godin’s “Linchpin: Are you indispensable?” (Seth’s Blog: http://www.sethgodin.typepad.com/).
Working:
The pin that holds the wheel on….sounds like something that the wheel cannot do without. So in turn, the vehicle that the wheel is on cannot do without the linchpin. Do you see where I’m going with this? Are you a linchpin? Some of you are, many of you aren’t. Why aren’t you? If you have a job, wouldn’t it make it much harder for your boss, upper management, or whoever signs your paychecks to let you go if you were the pin that holds the wheels on? Go in earlier than everyone else, stay later than everyone else, work through lunch 3 days a week, work for a few hours on Saturdays. It is actually a lot easier than you think. For the first hour of my day, I am typically the only one in my office. I have no distractions and can get some real work done! I know some people can’t do this, and when my wife goes back to work in a month I might not be able to. But pick something else, the options are endless.
Not Working:
So you’re not working and you want to be a linchpin? You’re in luck, most people who are looking for a new job go through the motions…..find a job online, email their resume to the email address provided, wait to hear back, interview, wait to hear back. Do something out of the ordinary for once! Research a company in the area you are looking and see if they have any jobs available. If they do, print your resume on a nice, heavy sheet of paper, put on your interview suit, and drive to their location and drop it off. Now, will the wheels fall of your job search if you don’t do that? No! But do you think the manager will remember you if you’re the only one out of hundreds of applicants that does that?
Being a Linchpin:
One of my favorite quotes in Seth’s book is “Remarkable people deserve remarkable jobs.” Being remarkable is, in many ways, what being a linchpin is. Some people don’t have to try, others have to make a conscious effort every single day. But, is that so bad when that could mean job security for the rest of your life or that promotion you’ve been wanting so bad is easier to get? I don’t think so.
Closing:
Being a linchpin is just one way to keep, get, or save your job. What are other ways you have been a linchpin in your current role? Leave some ways in the comments below.
I’d like to personally recommend Seth’s Book to everyone who reads this(thank you for letting me write about your book Seth!). It is very well written which makes it a very easy read.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Linchpin
Happy Holidays!
The Des Moines Recruiter 