The Infinite Game

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Not to be confused with Finite and Infinite Games, an earlier book on the same topic.
The Infinite Game
The Infinite Game.jpg
First edition
AuthorSimon Sinek
LanguageEnglish
SubjectLeadership
GenreBusiness
Published2019
PublisherPortfolio/Penguin
Publication date
2019
Pages251
ISBN9780735213500

The Infinite Game is a New York Times best-selling book[1] by Simon Sinek published in 2019. The book is an application of ideas from James P. Carse's similarly titled book, Finite and Infinite Games.[2]

The book starts with comparing two mindsets for playing any game: Finite Game and the Infinite Game.The concept was heavily inspired by James Carse's book Finite and Infinite Games as result, it initially summarizes Carse's distinction between two different types of games. Simon Sinek explains that finite games (e.g. chess and football) are played for the purpose of ending play consistent with static rules. There are set rules, and every game has a beginning, middle and end, and a final winner is distinctly recognizable. Infinite games (e.g. business and politics) are played for the purpose of continuing play rather than to win. Sinek claims that leaders who embrace an infinite mindset, aligned with infinite play, will build stronger, more innovative, inspiring, resilient organizations, though these benefits may accrue over larger timescales than benefits associated with a finite mindset.[3]

Overview[]

Sinek argues that business fits all the characteristics of an infinite game, notably that: there may be known as well as unknown players; new players can join at any time; each player has their own strategy; there is no set of fixed rules (though law may operate as semi-fixed rules); and there is no beginning or end. Further drawing on Carse's work, Sinek extends the distinction between end states in finite games to claim that business, when viewed through an infinite mindset, do not have winners and losers, but rather players who simply drop out when they run out of the will, the desire, and/or the resources to continue play. According to Sinek, it follows that business leaders should stop thinking about who wins or who is the best and start thinking about how to build and sustain strong and healthy organizations.

The Infinite Mindset[]

Simon Sinek considers Infinite Mindset as a necessity to be able to succeed in business for long term. Sinek throughout the book is negative towards the finite game.[4] The Infinite Mindset narrates why companies like Blockbuster which were once significant players in Industry, couldn't adapt even after seeing companies like Netflix grow.[5] Many such examples and stories at various points in the book emphasize the importance of Infinite Mindset, which allows companies to think better and survive infinitely.

Simon Sinek lays down five essential practices necessary to have an Infinite Mindset[6]

Leaders who want to adopt an infinite mindset must follow five essential practices:[7]

  • Just Cause
  • Trusting Teams
  • Have Worthy Rivals
  • Existential Flexibility
  • Courage to Lead.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous Books – Best Sellers – Books – Nov. 3, 2019 – The New York Times". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  2. ^ Clarke, Steph (January 21, 2021). "The Big Ideas I Learnt from the Book Infinite Game by Simon Sinek". Medium. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  3. ^ Sinek, Simon (2019). The Infinite Game. Portfolio/Penguin. p. 151. ISBN 9780735213500.
  4. ^ "#Reviewing The Infinite Game". The Strategy Bridge. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  5. ^ "Simon Sinek's New Game". Steelcase. January 14, 2020. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  6. ^ "Notes and Takeaways from The Infinite Game". Rick Lindquist. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  7. ^ "Notes and Takeaways from The Infinite Game". Rick Lindquist. Retrieved September 9, 2021.

Further reading[]

External links[]


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