the infinite game
We often describe strategy as a set of choices that allows the organisation to be successful; to win. It’s what gets the organisation from point A (current reality) to point B (future reality). And once we’ve clarified the goal, we focus all our attention on how we are going to get there (success).
But when I came across the concept of the infinite game, it made me question the usefulness of this - point A… to… B - perspective. Let me share some context:
The term Infinite Game was first coined by Professor James P. Carse (1968), who claims that we can characterise most human engagements as either finite or infinite games. “A finite game”, he argues, “is played for the purposes of winning, while an infinite game is played for the purpose of continuing the play”. Simon Sinek further elaborates on this idea in the Infinite Game (2019) and illustrates how infinite-minded leadership can lead to remarkedly superior results.
The concept, I find, is best explained in metaphors.
o A finite game – is like a football game. There is a clear beginning and an end. How we play is determined by rules we’ve agreed upon. There is clarity on what winning looks like and when it will be measured.
o An infinite game – is like education. There is no clear beginning or end. There are no agreed-upon rules. We don’t ‘win’ education. Success is part of the journey – the evolution towards becoming a better version of ourselves.
A few months after reading Sinek’s book, I came across an article by Antony Moss that depicted a Strategy & Execution framework (similar to the one shown below), and it resonated with me immediately!
It made me realise, when we think about strategy and execution as an infinite game, it becomes less about focusing on the endpoint (the goal, the objective) and more about building the necessary skills that will allow us to play this game indefinitely. To be successful on our strategy & execution journey, we need:
Analytical skills – to make sense of market information and business results
Problem solving skills – to translate that information into something that creates value and gives us a competitive edge (refine)
Communication skills – to inspire or influence others to follow our course of action (goals)
Implementation skills – to turn strategy into action
An infinite mindset allows us to view “results” not as a target to be chased but as the consequence of our ability to continuously evolve and adapt to changing circumstances. Ultimately, long-term sustainable success belongs to those that listen, learn, influence and implement, and bring their best game, every day; and indefinitely.
Food for thought:
How would you illustrate the relationship between Strategy & Execution for your organisation?
Is your business investing in building the skill sets that support an infinite game?
What determines success in your organisation? And how and when is it measured?