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1-Page Summary of The Infinite Game
Overview
Life is a game. The first thing you should do is figure out what kind of game it is and how to play it. Simon Sinek’s book, Infinite Game (2019), helps leaders think about business in new ways—as more than just a competition or zero-sum game but as an infinite one that goes on forever. This book shows you how to lead your team toward success without thinking of winning or losing.
There are two kinds of games in the world: finite and infinite. Finite games have clear-cut rules, designated players, and a defined win condition. Basketball is an example of a finite game. Infinite games like business don’t have many rules, but they do require longevity to keep playing them.
In business, there are two types of leaders: finite-minded and infinite-minded. Finite-minded leaders focus on the short term, like making money or having a good quarterly earnings report. They’re concerned with what’s tangible in terms of budgets, stock prices, and so forth. Infinite-minded leaders reject this notion; they want to build something that will last for generations to come—something that can be passed down from generation to generation. Instead of thinking about how much money their companies make each quarter or year, they think more long term about the company’s values and its role in society over time. Infinite-minded leaders know that every company has ups and downs; therefore it is unrealistic for them to expect constant growth as an end goal. Instead, they should aim to cultivate resilience within their businesses so that when challenges arise (and inevitably they do), their companies have a chance at survival instead of total failure. Infinite- minded leaders don’t want employees just working hard; rather they want them inspired by the purpose behind why those employees are doing what they’re doing each day.
One problem with business culture is that leaders think in terms of dollars and short-term goals, rather than long-term vision. Business schools encourage this way of thinking. Infinite-minded leaders must fight these norms by having a vision for the future that transcends product life cycles and global economic trends.
Infinite-minded leaders should follow five core practices. First, they should always have a clear vision for the future of their company and make sure that everyone is on board with it. Second, they need to build teams where people trust one another. Third, when faced with competition or an industry disruption, infinite-minded leaders must be flexible enough to change course if necessary. Fourthly, infinite-minded leaders must stay courageous in the face of criticism and greed from others so that they can lead wisely. Finally fifthly, infinite-minded leaders should learn from their rivals because this will help them achieve success in business.
The infinite game is difficult, but rewarding. Many of the most valuable steps forward in human history were made by people who came together to achieve an implausible vision. Once leaders let go of the damaging idea that business is a zero-sum game, they can inspire people to build a better world.
Key Point 1: Every business should be organized around the advancement of a just cause.
Every company should have a central goal that they’re trying to accomplish. Often, companies focus on making money and growing, with no vision for what the future will be like. However, growth is not an end in itself; it’s simply something you do when you’re trying to achieve a greater goal. A cause is a grand vision of where your business wants to go; everyone can work together towards that goal.
