A game to neither win or loose
The responsibility of business is to use its will and resources to advance a cause greater than itself, protect the people and
places in which it operates and generate more resources so that it can continue doing all those things for as long as possible.
Simon Sinek, The Infinite Game
is based on the classification THIS BOOK of games into two categories: finite and infinite. Life falls under the category of infinite games. Finite games, like basketball, scrabble, golf, or chess, are generally governed by certain rules, patterns, and traditions, usually with an ultimate aim of coming out on top. They are generally well-organized, in contrast to infinite games.
Infinite games do not follow any particular set of rules, nor do they have any governing body. They are games that require you to prove your worthiness stay ahead of other participants. Life is one example of an infinite game; another is business. A perfect case study is the story of renowned Swiss army knife producer, Victorinox. This company’s resilience was put to the test when the 9/11 saga prompted a ruling against the possession of any sharp objects on airplanes. The company responded by shifting focus from its main product - the Swiss army knife - and expanding its repertoire of products like watches, fragrances, etc. This showed their willingness to be flexible, to stay relevant in the coming generations.
WHAT’S THE REAL PURPOSE OF A BUSINESS?
Is it “to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it stays within the rules of the game”, as Milton Friedman said? Or is it to keep playing and building an organization that can survive its leaders?
Business is not a game with a final clock; it is an infinite game, with the obvious implication that business people need to play with a very long horizon, to pretty much ignore the “next quarter is all that matters” game plan that too many leaders follow.
FIVE ESSENTIAL PRACTICES IN THE INFINITE GAME
Infinite games are not guided by any set of rules or regulations. However, to succeed at the infinite game in the business industry, Simon Sinek has provided five essential practices that should be duly observed.
►Advance a just cause — A just cause is a specific vision of a future state that does not yet exist. It describes the world we hope to live in and will commit to help build.
►Build trusting teams
►Study worthy rivals
►Prepare for existential flexibility ►Demonstrate the courage to lead Finite games most likely cause ethical fading. Ethical fading is a condition in a culture that allows people to act in unethical ways in order to advance their own interests, often at the expense of others, while falsely believing that they have not compromised their own moral principles.
Yes, in an infinite game, you neither win nor lose. The only relevant terms are ahead or behind. It is a lifetime game where you have to make sure you stay relevant for as long as forever (i.e. until you can’t anymore).