Seth Godin is inspiring.  His latest book: “Linchpin” is not only a best-seller, but also an amazingly motivating and rewarding read.  It should be read in conjunction with Timothy Ferriss’ “4-hour Work Week”.  The book Linchpin is the “how” and 4-hour Work Week is the “why”.. together they can reshape America.  One of the smaller chapters in Linchpins is sticking with me.  It’s the idea of “posture”.  People who “Lean Forward” as opposed to “stand by”. Are you spending enough Emotional Energy on the job?  Read on.

People who “stand by” are ready to help, but not offering.

People who “stand by” may be skilled and talented, but do only what is needed.

People who “stand by” spend as little effort as is needed to do the job.

People who “stand by” aren’t willing to spend Emotional Energy without getting paid for it.

In contrast:

People who “Lean Forward” are looking actively for how to help.

People who “Lean Forward” want to take ownership.

People who “Lean Forward” spend extra effort to make sure its done right.

People who “Lean Forward” spend Emotional Energy, and put more into their job, usually for no “visible” reward.

The question is this: can America afford to “stand by”?  Or should we be “leaning forward”?  Realize this, you can outsource a job… but you can’t outsource a person.  People who lean forward can never be replaced.  They are a linchpin.