I am writing this as I wait to board my plane to New Orleans for the AICPA E.D.G.E. conference for emerging leaders in the CPA profession. Although I had to leave a day after the conference began, I feel like I have been there the whole time.
How, you ask?
Twitter! Hashtag #AICPA_EDGE.
These young leaders are sharing insights, connecting to each other and to many of the older leaders speaking and attending. (I think Jody calls them “grandpas,” and that includes me!)
These young leaders are showing signs of being “linchpins.” Seth Godin applied this term in his book by the same name, “Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?”
He says linchpins are the glue that holds our organizations together. I think we need more linchpins now than ever through this topsy-turvy economy. We need stronger glue that can hold up through the turbulence and we need people who can inspire us every day. He says linchpins exert emotional labor and make a map to guide others (and our organizations) to success.
Here are Seth's seven abilities of a linchpin:
- Providing a unique interface between members of the organization.
- Delivering unique creativity.
- Managing a situation or organization of great complexity.
- Leading customers.
- Inspiring staff.
- Providing deep domain knowledge.
- Possessing a unique talent.
I can't wait to get down there and be with these young leaders, these linchpins.
What are you doing today to make yourself indispensable?
— Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. Location: Lawyers Hill Road, Elkridge, United States