HKBN's webinar on "Staying Ahead in the Infinite Game"

Simon Sinek, Optimist and Best-selling Author

I was first introduced to Simon Sinek a few years ago thanks to S.Venkat, President and Global Head of Finance from Olam Int'l. Ever since then, I have been an adamant fan of his. If you have not had a chance to hear his talk yet, do so on YouTube (I've provided some links at the bottom for easy reference). You will not regret it.

Here’s a snapshot of what he shared earlier today:  

1) Finite Game vs Infinite Game

In ‘finite’ games like sports, the players are known, the rules are fixed, there are winners and losers and the endpoint is clear. But in business, there are known and unknown players, and there are no winners (i.e. whichever performance matrix or timeline you choose, someone else will beat your ‘score’ at some point in time).

The aim instead is to stay in the game as long as possible. This is the ‘infinite game’ mindset.

2) Existential Flexibility

This is the ability of an infinite-minded leader to initiate a disruption to a strategy or business model in order to advance a just cause. Hence, building/cultivating a strong organization culture that is able to pivot/adapt in any situation is key to business longevity.

We have always been living in uncertain times. COVID just reminded us of that - Simon Sinek

3) Ethical Fading

To drive growth you can’t incentivize performance, only behavior. A classic example is Wells Fargo, where close to 3.5 million fake bank accounts were opened between 2011 and 2016.

How did this happen?

The organizational culture allowed for employees to act in unethical ways to advance their own interests, often at the expense of others, while falsely believing that they had not compromised their moral principles. This is what happens in an organization led by leaders with finite mindset and overly focused on meeting short-term targets. This can work in the short run, but in the long run can lead to devastating effects to the organizational brand and culture.

Upholding our past and not letting the sacrifices of our forbears be in vain

4) Me or Others 

We are social animals. We can do things together in a remarkable way. It’s interesting to note that there’s a ‘self-help’ section at the bookstore but not a ‘help others’ section. So how do we answer the question: “Should I prioritize myself over the group or prioritize the group over myself?” It’s a paradox. We need to strike a balance as no single person can change the course of society.

Together is really better; Co-operation is KING - Simon Sinek

Some exemplary organizations we can learn from:

Navy SEALs: 

The Navy selects the guys who go to SEAL team 6 (if you don’t know about them, they are the best of the best of the best SEALs) based on two dimensions – Performance (on the battlefield) and Trust (off the battlefield - what kind of person you are). Anyone with High Performance and Low Trust is seen as a TOXIC Leader/member (someone who will do more damage to the organization and is likely to encourage unethical behavior). They would rather recruit someone for their team who is a Low Performer but ranks high on Trust. These are NATURAL leaders who are able to lead their team/organization through any trials and tribulations – and most importantly, they’ve always got your back. Though these guys may not be your highest performers as individuals, you’d better keep them on your team because they are instrumental in creating an environment for everybody else to succeed. 

Four Seasons Hotel:

A barrister at the hotel Simon visited told him he loved his job. Why? Throughout the day, EVERY manager (not just his manager) will ask him how he is doing and what he needs to make his job easier. He is able to ask for help without any retribution or humiliation for what he may not know.  

This is what it means to LEAD. 

Be The Leader You Wish You Had (should you be working for a finite-minded company/manager)

Apple: 

At an Apple’s Education Summit Simon spoke at, a 100% of the Executives, spent a 100% of their presentations, talking about how to help teachers teach and how to help students learn. Unlike their rival who was obsessed with their competition (none other than Apple), Apple was obsessed with where they we were going (note: Apple was not even remotely interested in whether they were beating the competition or not). 

Why is this so?

They know that in the Infinite Game, anyone can be ahead or behind. They accept that their competition may come up with a better product. And they are okay with that because this game NEVER ends. The right mindset one should adopt is to learn from your worthy opponent, not to defeat them. This thinking also applies to your fellow colleagues. Be happy when they are promoted or are recognized for the work they have done. It’s not right or fair to feel any negative emotions like jealousy. 

Scott Neeson, Founder, Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF) and ex-CEO of 20th Century Fox International

The other speaker that warrants special mention is Scott Neeson. What a truly inspirational soul! A man who was on a million-dollar annual salary with 20th Century Fox and brushing shoulders with Hollywood’s A-listers left it all behind after a six-week trip to Phnom Penh, where he witnessed first-hand how hundreds of children were scavenging through a massive 18-acre garbage dump to survive.

Now Scott lives by simple means in Cambodia, devoting his time to the ever-expanding programs of education, support and leadership that form the pillars of CCF. The core mission of CCF is to provide quality education and support facilities to children and their families so that they can do more than survive – so that they can succeed and prosper, leading all of Cambodia to a brighter, more independent future. 

Plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit

A lot of people tell him, “Oh, I wish I had the money to do that, or the time.” We have a lot of wishes and dreams, but we often ignore them.

People are far more empowered than they think, and CHANGE starts with the first step.  

Even if you can change the life of one child/person, that’s better than before

Hope you enjoyed the summary. Of course, nothing beats hearing from these amazing guys first hand.

Video links to Simon Sinek's Talks:

The Infinite Game: https://youtu.be/tye525dkfi8

Start with why -- how great leaders inspire action: https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuA

Cheers

Sutha O'Connell