I'm quickly adding Seth Godin's "Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?" to my reading list after catching onto some of the notions he covers in this interview with David Meerman Scott. It would appear that questioning the status quo - while being at the heart of what Godin discusses in Linchpin - might also be a gross oversimplification of his perspective on what makes someone indispensable in today's economy and business landscape.

Judging from this interview, I'm not sure how many other thinkers can bring the notion of challenging the status quo to life the way Godin does. The anecdotes he offers here seem pretty actionable - and will definitely get me to buy the book to get the full story. Godin begins the interview by challenging the notion of compliance as a means to success. There will always be someone more compliant and obedient than you - so why use this to gain any sort of advantage, or preference in an organization? We've all seen this happen in companies and other collectives - compliance often breeds inertia.

Godin goes onto propose the idea of an individual or employee as an artist, and defines an artist as someone capable of creating an emotional change in another individual. An artist creates something - an idea, product, experience, material or conversation - that allows them to connect with someone and make a difference in their life - be they consumers, patrons, co-workers or individuals. Because artists are scarce, that ability to create and engage creates value in your career.  Seriously, how many of us have invested the time to cultivate this level of emotional, change-inspiring engagement with our co-workers or customers in our daily lives? You might know you've nailed it and are creating some sort of change and art in your profession when you give people something they can ultimately criticize you for. The compliant rarely give others enough material to react to - they're too busy following the rules to risk standing out and potentially be criticized.

So how exactly does an artist's work create change? Godin suggests the change begins at the inception of an imbalance. When an artist creates something, he or she gives it to the public - or recipient - as a gift, expecting nothing in return. A blog post, insightful thought piece, whitepaper, or ebook are examples of a "gift" that an artist might offer with no action or response required from the recipient - but which might get people thinking, questioning, talking - and potentially disagreeing with you. Gordon emphasizes that when it's a gift it can be art, when it's art it can make a change - and making change is our opportunity going forward, and where real value is created.

Godin concludes the interview with the notion that a true artist thinks at the edges of the box - and not necessarily outside of it. Contrary to the popular cliche, "outside the box", there are no constraints. But at the edges, you're working with preexisting rules, standards and expectations - and are faced with surprising people by offering them something that might work better, just outside of what they're used to. A subtle evolution might be enough to challenge inertia.

Godin's theory of "gifts" will likely be proven to be effective in me, as this video interview has definitely inspired me to pick up the book to get the full perspective - and better understand how I can be more of a change-maker, creator and artist in my current role. In the meantime, I'll relish in the idea that some criticism and disagreement on my philosophies and approach in my current role (among others' encouragement and support) may imply that I'm already starting to do that.

Cheers to all unconventional thinkers, skeptics, and doubters of the status quo imposed by "phonies" (and RIP, JD Salinger).