Linchpin Quick Thought

In one of the sections in the book titled, “This is no time for dumb tools," Seth makes this comment as he gives examples of how things can work more efficiently when control is shifted downward.

The world works too fast for centralized control. These systems can’t be run by a supervisor at the top of the organizational chart.

Seth Godin, Linchpin

This thought is a fundamental philosophy behind what makes NeighborLink work.
The more I can get out of the way between the connection of volunteers and recipients, the better the system works. Each time I try to reach in and control a non-essential part of the process, a slowdown occurs.

We believe those that would choose to volunteer at NeighborLink are great and generous people, and have the ability to jump right in. We expect them to because it’s their time they’re offering and they should be able to choose who and what way to give it. It’s what they truly want. Sure, they want a little help getting started because the hardest part is overcoming ourselves. But, once you get going you forget you’re volunteering and are glad to help out.

There are a lot of great thoughts in this book. You should get it if you haven’t.