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Patton's Picks from the PMA Library: The Infinite Game
November 2020The Infinite Game (Simon Sinek)
If you're looking for book recommendations in the productivity and professional development genre, Patton offers a weekly summary of some of the essential and emerging titles from the PMA Library. This book is a personal recommendation, as well as one made by podcast guest, Justin Dionne, on episode #21 of The Path Podcast.
Like his classic Start With Why, Sinek builds on a basic concept in the INFINITE GAME which is to change your thinking of business as a game with an ending OR a winner, but as an endless game that has infinite possibilities. Too often we are struck in near-term thinking and obsessed with the next quarter instead of seeing the longer-term potential. He was troubled by Milton Friedman's 1970 essay which basically said the only goal of business is to create profit, and he thinks that mindset has corrupted many enterprises ever since. An infinite game player plays not to win, but to assure the game continues even after they're gone. For example, there is no such thing as "winning" your education; it's endless and you're always playing.
THREE TAKEAWAYS:
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We're too focused on near term metrics and beating the competition; everyone can win with an abundance mindset.
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Visionary leaders ensure their cause is clear to others. If yours isn't, figure it out and write it down.
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Beware of ethical fading, a gradual acceptance of minor transgressions which ultimately undermine the whole organization.
The short game will only yield short gains. Resist short-term profits and develop endurance, loyalty and community. Reject the need to win.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Simon Oliver Sinek is a British-born American author and motivational speaker. He is the author of five books, including Start With Why and The Infinite Game.