Even though for many it is obvious, in my case it was not until I read the book “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek, since I understood that in life there are only two types of games: finite and infinite.
The first, that is, the finite games, are characterized by having known players, clear rules and a defined objective, and they end when said objective is reached; while in the latter, infinite games, some players are known and others are not, there are no rules beyond the laws and ethics and the main objective is to perpetuate the game, and therefore there is no such thing as winners or losers.
Finite games sooner or later come to an end, but the players continue to be ready to play another day, while in infinite games, exactly the opposite happens, the game is the one that continues and it is the players who withdraw when they no longer play. they have the resources or the will to continue playing, so to participate in an infinite game we have to think about how to build an organization strong and healthy enough, capable of staying in the game for several generations, and the true value of this type of organization it is measured by the desire that others have to contribute with their efforts and contributions so that these organizations continue to be successful.
When we play an infinite game with a finite perspective or attitude, various problems arise, such as loss of trust, cooperation, and innovation. Therefore, in order to move in the right direction in an infinite game, players must play with an infinite perspective.
Players with a finite attitude don’t like surprises and are afraid of any kind of disruption; while, in contrast to the players with infinite attitude, they wait for surprises, even enjoy them and prepare to embrace them and be able to transform them for them. Likewise, finite players try to beat their competitors while infinite players try to outdo themselves.
Finite goals are just signs of progress toward a vision. Organizations focus on the urgent at the expense of the important and respond to known factors instead of exploring unknown possibilities. They become obsessed with what the competition is doing and falsely believe that it is necessary to react to every move, thus failing to see countless better alternatives to strengthen their own organization.
If we believe that trust, cooperation and innovation are important factors for the long-term plans of our organization, then we only have one alternative, which is to learn to play with an infinite attitude, where consistency results or becomes more important than intensity and although we don’t know when the results will be seen, we do know that sooner or later they will.
Any organization that wants to participate in an infinite game and have a long, healthy and successful life, must follow and fully implement the following 5 essential practices: i) move towards a just cause, ii) build trustworthy, honest, effective teams, etc., iii) analyze rivals that deserve attention, iv) prepare to be existentially flexible, and v) show courage to lead.
Only when those who surround organizations know how they have decided to play, will they know how to adjust their expectations and behaviors, will they be able to understand the short- and long-term implications and, therefore, will they be able to make better decisions. When they see that an organization has embraced the 5 essential practices with infinite attitude, they will have full confidence, knowing that these organizations are committed and know exactly where they need to go.
As human beings and as organizations we tend to seek immediate solutions to uncomfortable problems and give priority to quick solutions that help us achieve our short-term goals, but I invite you to be patient and adopt an infinite attitude and thus contribute to building something bigger than ourselves, something with value and that lasts in the next generations.