The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. During my read of Start With Why it was natural to seek Simon’s view of long term leadership. A few hits and misses along the way but it was another enjoyable read.
Simon introduces the theme contrasting finite against infinite. In other words, simple examples of football or chess, these games have time limits, rules are standardized and the players are known to the opponent. It is easy to find a winner and loser at the end of similar finite sporting events.
However the focus of his book is on infinite games, business, war, politics, and even our own personal lives. There is no time limit, rules change over time, and the players as well. No winners or losers appear on an infinite stage, above all, movements are forwards or backwards.
However, with my deep interest in learning about the long US war in Vietnam it was a bit surprising to see Simon tee off his book with the 1968 Tet Offensive. This was his pinning idea of infinite. While the US involvement in Vietnam extended back to the 1940s, and French colonial rule began in the late 1860s, it was a shame China’s 1000 year rule over Vietnam was not mentioned.
Simon extends his theme to the problems confronting all types of organizations when leaders work on finite thinking. However their organizations are infinite. However, there are many organizations that struggle with innovation and performance.
Subsequently, organizational leaders must adopt the infinite mindset. This permits them to understand why they must lead a well balanced, deeper, and innovative organization.
Likewise, it was interesting to see how Simon addresses the impact of ‘shareholder value’ and the criticism of Milton Friedman. While there are certainly changes to the way business conducts itself today, Friedman didn’t have an iPhone. Moreover, the world changed and it really is not fair to compare Friedman’s 1970s views in the year 2020.
New York Times Events | The Infinite Game
Simon Sinek | The Infinite Game: How to Lead in the 21st Century
Inspiritory | Simon Sinek – Be an Infinite Player
The Welcome Conference | The Infinite Game
Talks at Google | The Finite and Infinite Games of Leadership