By Dr. David Freitas, Dr. Janet Buckenmeyer, and Dr. Emily Hixon

Seth Godin’s new book “Linchpin” lists “The Seven Abilities of the Linchpin” that make you indispensable. Find out how - with a little effort - you can be on the road to indispensability.

Please answer the following questions truthfully.

1.    My definition of indispensable is
A.    Indis . . . what? That’s a five syllable word!
B.    Not me; Those are the people who earn the big bucks.
C.    Absolutely necessary, essential, or requisite.

2.    When a school crisis occurs,
A.    I dramatically play the role of crisis victim.
B.    I only assist if the crisis affects me personally.
C.    I step up.

3.    When the “going gets tough”,
A.    I get going . . . running the other way.
B.    I suggest anger management classes for the tough.
C.    I get going . . . joining colleagues to solve the issue.

4.    When I’m asked to assist colleagues, students, or parents, my usual
response is
A.    It’s not in my job description
B.    I’m really, really, really busy. (Really?)
C.    Yes!

5.    When people identify their most indispensable colleagues, 
A.    My name is on the tip of everyone’s tongue . . . but not for the right reasons.
B.    I blame my colleagues for not knowing or affirming my critical role in my school’s success.
C.    My name is mentioned by most.

6.    On a weekly basis, do you
A.    Consistently drain value from your colleagues and your school?
B.    Live your professional life in a coma – neither contributing nor detracting from your school?
C.    Consistently add significant value to your school?

If you answered mostly “C” for each question, you may be indispensable. If you answered mostly letters “A” and “B”, it’s time for critical reflection, and hopefully, action.

The New York Times bestseller, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, is the place to start.

Although Seth Godin is technically a wildly popular business author and blogger, the concepts and insights in Linchpin are applicable to virtually all professions, including those of us in the school tech world. In fact, shattering our secluded tech silo is a refreshing change. We encourage you to do the same, at least to read this book.

But why do I want to be a Linchpin, especially now?

Godin explains that “The world has changed (again) and the stakes are higher than ever. Now we’re facing a full-fledged revolution – a hypercompetitive world [where you can] make an indispensable contribution to something you care about. If you’re not indispensable (yet) it’s because you haven’t made the choice.”

But why do I want to be a Linchpin?

Do you really want your professional reputation to be that you’re an average contributor to your school’s success with mediocre achievements?  One who promotes the status quo at all costs, feels entitled to a paycheck, and does just enough to avoid supervisory attention?

But why do I want to be a linchpin?

In this U.S. economic disaster, is your job at risk?

But I’m a tenured teacher, so it doesn’t matter to me. (Don’t you have any sense of professional responsibility and personal pride?)

The entire book is captivating. Here are a few of our favorite sections to entice you.
“We are surrounded by bureaucrats, note takers, literalists, manual readers, TGIF laborers, map followers, and fearful employees.” Are you one of the crowd or a stand out? What’s your career objective – bench warmer or game changer?

 In the chapter “Becoming the Linchpin”, Godin offers simple, logical, and practical approaches to move from paralysis to meaningful contributor. This chapter is a step-by-step guide for everyone.

“So, why is this (becoming indispensable) so hard? It turns out that it’s biological. Deep within your brain lies the amygdale, the lizard brain. It sets out to sabotage anything that feels threatening, risky, or generous. Until you name, recognize, and deal with the resistance, you will stay frustrated.”

Yes, amygdale is real! So, deal with it and move on!

Late in the book, Godin lists “The Seven Abilities of the Linchpin” that make you indispensable. Here they are followed by our “enlightening” commentary. In reality, with a little effort, you can be on the road to indispensability.

1.    Providing a unique interface between members of the organization
Tech teachers and administrators are uniquely positioned to lead and productively facilitate this interface. Few individuals have this span of contact with the entire school community.
2.    Delivering unique creativity
Are you unleashing the creativity of your students and colleagues via technology?
3.    Managing a situation or organization of great complexity
Are you applying your acquired skills and abilities broadly to assist with complex tech and non-tech situations?
4.    Leading customers (In our case it’s not customers, it’s students, parents, taxpayers, etc.)
Are you leading “customers” to embrace the power of technology? Are you a technology advocate, proponent, and sage mentor?
5.    Inspiring staff
Inspiring your colleagues to effectively integrate technology is essential for your success. Are you an inspirational tech leader?
6.    Providing deep domain knowledge
Domain knowledge is defined as the content of a particular field of knowledge. Are you perceived as the technology guru?
7.    Possessing a unique talent
Do you then productively apply your deep domain knowledge? Are you the “go-to” person on all technology related matters?

As you can see, you’re probably almost halfway there to consistently demonstrating “The Seven Abilities of the Linchpin”.

Linchpin is an inexpensive ($25.95 retail) easy summer read – great for the beach. Make your mind up now to return to school as a Linchpin!

Becoming indispensable – a tall order to be sure. Is it the proverbial “golden ring” –an admirable ambition, but always out of reach?

You may be surprised to learn that becoming indispensable is not all about you! Seth reminds us that the most important consideration is not about how to promote yourself. Instead, ask, “How can I do work that people will want to promote?” So true, and something many forget when trying to make a name for themselves.
     Dan Schawbel

Dr. David Freitas has served in a number of leadership positions throughout his career including College Dean at three Universities, Tenured University Professor, University Vice Provost, Public School Teacher/Administrator, State of Illinois Teacher Certification Board Member, State Department of Education Official, and Elected City School Board Member. He is a frequent national and international author and presenter.

Janet Buckenmeyer, Ph.D., a former elementary school teacher, is currently a tenured Associate Professor and Chair of the Masters of Instructional Technology Program at Purdue University Calumet. She has published and presented nationally and internationally about various topics, with a primary focus on instructional technology and design.

Dr. Emily Hixon is an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology at Purdue University Calumet. Her research projects have focused on the effective integration of technology at both the K-12 and higher education levels.