mstosich's review against another edition

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informative

3.75

minimalmike's review against another edition

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3.0

Writing: 3.56
Story: 3.06
Overall: 3.31

Didn't enjoy this book. I don't mind long books at all, in fact, I'm a fan of them, but this book was needlessly long. Being a "Linchpin" can be broken down in far fewer words than this. Also, the author made, or rather tried to make quite a few points that I did not agree with at all. It seemed like sometimes he was saying things to try and be the insightful contrarian, but just ended up sounding silly.

I also was not a fan of the format of the book. It felt more like reading bullet points or a PowerPoint presentation as opposed to a book.

rooafza's review against another edition

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3.0

Marketing guru and Serial shipper Seth Godin on being indispensable, creative and fighting the status quo. My only nitpick was his praise of the Huffington post over the NY times on the former being more innovative(lolwut). Also mostly anecdotal.

rachelfsreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved it!!

meganbish13's review against another edition

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Did not enjoy this writing style, it was super choppy and didn’t have a flow. Also 60 pages in and I felt like the author just kept saying the same information but in a slightly different way.

nosfredatu's review against another edition

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4.0

Un livre inspirant et motivant. Quelques théories qui tiennent pas la route, mais ça donne envie de faire de grandes choses!

mgmoore's review against another edition

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4.0

Few are better at what they do than Seth Godin, and I really liked this book. But, it's not his best. He rehashes quite a bit of material covered better by others, and I don't agree with some of his broadsweeping generalization (e.g. the purpose of public education is to provide a pliable workforce for the elite).

But, there are lots of great take aways as well, both for the employer and the employee. I particularly liked his discussion of art and the artist in the workplace. I'll be applying quite a few things I've heard here, and even the repeat material was a great reminder. Recommended for anyone who wants to live life intentionally, find meaning in their work and be better than average in this new world we're living in.

sarahellen's review against another edition

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3.0

Mixed feelings on this one. There were some really great parts, but the choppy writing style was a bit frustrating for me personally. I enjoyed the last half of the book much more than the first. Specifically, the section on the Culture of the Gift was my favorite. Also as someone for whom emotional labor is already the largest part of my job, many points seemed obvious to me, though I'm sure they are not for people in other careers. Still would recommend.

schwarmgiven's review against another edition

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4.0

Excellent book--easy idea presented quickly and efficiently.

Loved the Comic Book, Grateful Dead, etc. references. in fact, all of the examples are remarkably good in this book.

Strongly recommended for the repeat audible listeners...

foosreadsandwrites's review against another edition

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3.0

I was incredibly impressed with the ideas presented in Linchpin. The idea that art is the new currency of our world was a breath of fresh air. I struggle to believe that there are CEO's and Pastors and teachers that believe in this idea like Godin, but I'm begging, praying, pleading for them to come over to this way of thinking. Not only that, but Godin presents the idea of generosity in a new way - showing that, in fact, the only way to get what you want from your work is to give your work away without any expectation of reciprocation. As always, I wish the book was a little shorter - but who can be blamed for ranting about a subject that's worth ranting about?

Separate praise for Godin as a writer:
As a Christian, I tend to make all secular books, whether business or otherwise, with a grain of salt. Godin made that need to guard myself a virtual nonissue. Of course, there are references to buddhism and other cultures, but always in the best "take what's wonderful and use it" kind of way. I didn't get the impression that Godin was a born-again believer and a disciples of Jesus or anything, but in spite of comments that most Christians would be offended by (although probably shouldn't be), Godin made himself extraordinarily accessible and open. He made himself vulnerable and presented his artwork for those who were willing to receive it. In doing so, he listened to his own advice....a rare trait.

And he only charged so he could count if his art was working or not (and hopefully, so he could fund himself writing another book and continue blogging). Buy the book; read it. It'll help you connect with people and view yourself as a one-of-a-kind gift to the world, like you are.