The Infinite Game x Simon Sinek

Everybody knows that Simon Sinek is a fave here at Gen Ziz. He is a best-selling author and motivational speaker. You might know some of his titles such as Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last. I relate closely to Simon’s message which is “to live in a world in which the vast majority of us wake up inspired, feel safe at work and return home fulfilled at the of the day.” Just imagine if that was a thing!

This year I read his latest, The Infinite Game, and here I wrote some takeaways, but definitely recommend the entire read. Interesting take on the “game of life” and how there is no way to win a game that has no end. We just have to keep the game in play.

Takeaways

We don’t get to choose whether a particular game is finite or infinite. We do get to choose whether or not we want to join the game. Should we choose to join the game, we can choose whether we play with a finite or infinite mindset.

To play with an infinite mindset, follow 5 essential practices:
-Advance a Just Cause
-Build Trusting Teams
-Study Your Worthy Rivals
-Prepare for Existential Flexibility
-Demonstrate the Courage to Lead

The goal is not to win, but to keep playing. Any leader playing must have a Just Cause/ a specific vision of a future state that does not yet exist; a future so appealing that people are willing to make sacrifices in order to help advance towards that vision.

A Just Cause is not the same as our WHY. A why comes from the past. It is an origin story. The sum of our values and beliefs. A Just Cause is about the future. It defines where we are going. Unlike a why (fixed), we can work to advance more than one Just Cause:
–For something: affirmative and optimistic
–Inclusive: open to all those who would like to contribute
–Service-oriented: for the primary benefit of others
–Resilient: able to endure political, technological, and cultural change
–Idealistic: big, bold and ultimately achievable

A Just Cause must involves two parties: the contributors and beneficiaries (Givers and receivers). “Servant leadership.” Efforts should go toward equipping the team for the game we are in.

Victories serve as milestones of our progress (toward an idealized future). It gives a glimpse of what the future could look like. Consistency is more important than intensity.

How can you create an environment in which your people can work to their natural best?

Trusting Teams: Trust and vulnerability grow together, and to betray one is to destroy both. There is no avoiding the existence of feelings. Trust comes before performance!!

These are all just some very brief takeaways from the Infinite Game, but I recommend reading this book in entirety, and any of his other books that will bring you closer to finding your WHY.

-Ziz <3