As parents and educators of gifted students work to digest as much information as possible and learn the ropes of advocacy, asynchronous development and argumentative behaviors, they’re demonstrating their hope for the future.

What does the future look like, though? It’s easy to confuse the future we once imagined for ourselves (and the world we’re living in currently) with the one our children will face.

I recently had the privilege of reading Seth Godin’s New York Times‘ best-selling book, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? (Portfolio). I’ve tweeted about it and shared my high praise for it on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Now, I’m inviting all parents and educators to purchase it and/or borrow it from someone and revel in its intrigue. Link: http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/

Not only will it turn your mind in circles (are you ready for your son, daughter or student to pursue being an artist?), but it will also help us reframe how we view careers of the future and the inherent behaviors and characteristics needed to inspire such paths.

While we may all be in agreement that our current NCLB-driven educational system is abhorrent at encouraging all things creative and inventive, it’s critical for us to take a look at how we can raise linchpins.

“Our world no longer fairly compensates people who are cogs in a giant machine. There’s stress because for many of us, that’s all we know. Schools and society have reinforced this approach for generations. It turns out that what we need are gifts and connections and humanity – and the artists who create them. Leaders don’t get a map or a set of rules. Living life without a map requires a different attitude. It requires you to be a linchpin.” – Seth Godin

Forget the paths we once sought. Forget the assurance and trajectory of what mattered before (i.e. college, grad school, moving up a ladder, the myth of the white collar job). Rid yourself of bygone thinking. The Conversation Age is upon us and it’s essential that we all catch up if we truly plan to support our students. Are you a linchpin? Do you envision your children becoming linchpins?

Just consider how this type of thinking might impact your gifted advocacy efforts, your parenting, your conversations, your choices, their choices, and even your own pursuit of art. I hope you’ll take time to investigate. As Godin points out, “We need you.”