The Infinite Game

Are you familiar with how to play this game?

There is a distinct ending, set rules, and known participants in finite games like chess or football. Both the victors and the losers are clearly seen.

Like in commerce, politics, or life itself, endless games have mutable rules, ephemeral participants, and no clear winner. In an eternal game, there are only two outcomes: ahead and behind. There are no victors or losers.

The more I learned the distinction between finite and endless games, the more I saw that infinite games were present everywhere. I began to see that a lot of the problems that organisations encounter stem from the fact that their leaders were engaging in an endless game with a limited mentality. These companies often fall behind in terms of creativity, free time, morale, and, eventually, output.

On the other hand, leaders who adopt an unlimited perspective create organisations that are stronger, more inventive, and more motivating. Their leaders and other citizens are trusted. Their ability to adapt allows them to flourish in a world that is always changing, leaving their rivals behind. They are ultimately responsible for guiding the rest of us into the future.

Every great endeavour begins with a why—the motivation, cause, or idea that drives us to carry out our actions and encourages others to follow in our footsteps. Effective leaders create Circles of Safety that encourage collaboration and trust among members of their organisations. However, it won't be sufficient to guide us through the erratic and sometimes chaotic terrain of today's market.

I now think that any leader who hopes to leave his organisation in a better state than when they found it must possess the capacity to embrace an endless attitude.