As you know, my goal for this year is to read 18 books.
One of the books I finished recently is called “The Infinite Game”, which is written by Simon Sinek.
Simon Sinek is an optimist and author of multiple best sellers, including “Start With Why” and “Leaders Eat Last”.
In this book, Sinek presents the basic idea of the infinite mindset in the following manner:
“In finite games, the players are known, the rules are fixed and the end point is clear. The winners and losers are easily identified, like in sports. In infinite games, like business, politics or life itself, the players come and go. The rules are changeable and there is no defined end point. There is no such thing as “winning life”, there is only ahead and behind.”
Additionally, Sinek identifies 5 essential practices for leaders that want to adopt an infinite mindset:
- Advance a Just Cause
- Build Trusting Teams
- Study your Worthy Rivals
- Prepare for Existential Flexibility
- Demonstrate the Courage to Lead
What did I appreciate most?
There are 2 things that I really appreciate about this book.
Firstly, Sinek does something unusual in this book, he takes a stand. Sinek goes against the typical justifications for having a business. He contradicts the concept of Milton Friedman (shareholder value maximization) and the leadership of Steve Ballmer (aimed at beating Apple), just to name a few. He states that they are examples of the finite mindset whereas business requires us to operate in an infinite mindset.
Second of all, Sinek also stimulates the reader to adjust their perception of ‘a competitor’. In his view, a competitor is a worthy rival which is there to help you grow. Furthermore, such a rival helps us to be agile, because they show us that there’s room for all of us in the game.
What is my tip?
Like his previous books, this book explains a big idea in simple terms, which is then analyzed through several cases and anecdotes. Although I am a huge fan of Simon Sinek, this book delivered less for me than the other books.
In this book, I miss the practical tools or techniques that can help to create or navigate the infinite game. The concept of this book is compelling, explained in the first chapters, yet the rest of the book does very little to add value in practicality.
What is my takeaway from this book?
The key point I take away from this book are the 3 crucial elements of the infinite game. These are to advance a purpose, to protect people and places and finally, to generate a profit. Shifting focus from the finite to the infinite game will create a more meaningful legacy.
My purpose is to advance your purpose and help you Get Ahead. What is yours?
As you know, my goal for this year is to read 18 books.
One of the books I finished recently is called “The Infinite Game”, which is written by Simon Sinek.
Simon Sinek is an optimist and author of multiple best sellers, including “Start With Why” and “Leaders Eat Last”.
In this book, Sinek presents the basic idea of the infinite mindset in the following manner:
“In finite games, the players are known, the rules are fixed and the end point is clear. The winners and losers are easily identified, like in sports. In infinite games, like business, politics or life itself, the players come and go. The rules are changeable and there is no defined end point. There is no such thing as “winning life”, there is only ahead and behind.”
Additionally, Sinek identifies 5 essential practices for leaders that want to adopt an infinite mindset:
- Advance a Just Cause
- Build Trusting Teams
- Study your Worthy Rivals
- Prepare for Existential Flexibility
- Demonstrate the Courage to Lead
What did I appreciate most?
There are 2 things that I really appreciate about this book.
Firstly, Sinek does something unusual in this book, he takes a stand. Sinek goes against the typical justifications for having a business. He contradicts the concept of Milton Friedman (shareholder value maximization) and the leadership of Steve Ballmer (aimed at beating Apple), just to name a few. He states that they are examples of the finite mindset whereas business requires us to operate in an infinite mindset.
Second of all, Sinek also stimulates the reader to adjust their perception of ‘a competitor’. In his view, a competitor is a worthy rival which is there to help you grow. Furthermore, such a rival helps us to be agile, because they show us that there’s room for all of us in the game.
What is my tip?
Like his previous books, this book explains a big idea in simple terms, which is then analyzed through several cases and anecdotes. Although I am a huge fan of Simon Sinek, this book delivered less for me than the other books.
In this book, I miss the practical tools or techniques that can help to create or navigate the infinite game. The concept of this book is compelling, explained in the first chapters, yet the rest of the book does very little to add value in practicality.
What is my takeaway from this book?
The key point I take away from this book are the 3 crucial elements of the infinite game. These are to advance a purpose, to protect people and places and finally, to generate a profit. Shifting focus from the finite to the infinite game will create a more meaningful legacy.
My purpose is to advance your purpose and help you Get Ahead. What is yours?
