The Infinite Game & daily leadership

I've become a bit obsessed with the original Infinite Game concept, first introduced by James P. Carse in his book?Finite and Infinite Games?(now, of course, popularized by Simon Sinek).

Lately, I've been finding ways to apply this idea to various parts of my personal and work life, from the trivial to the deeply significant. It’s helped me adopt a long-term perspective on things, easing the stress around immediate outcomes. Situations that once seemed crucial—like conflicts that, in hindsight, were hardly worth the energy—have lost their urgency. I’m also finding more patience with the actions (or inactions) of others.

It all clicked one day as I was waiting endlessly in Bangalore traffic. As you might know, this traffic moves only marginally faster than tectonic plates. I used to get frustrated with the hundreds of bikers and auto-rickshaws squeezing into every inch of space, jockeying to get their noses in so I’d be “compelled” to let them through. Each time, I found myself drawn into these duels.

Airports—where I spend a lot of time—were another setting for my Infinite Game epiphany. The mad scramble for trays, the stress of long, winding queues, and dealing with the “smart alecks” who try to game the line system… As soon as I “won” with one, another would show up, and then another. The pattern was endless, and ultimately, no one was getting to their destination any faster.

These experiences showed me how easily I got caught up in finite games, where short-term wins drove my behaviour. The focus on “winning” kept me from learning, because I was too busy playing the next round.

Eventually, I’d look back at the traffic or security line and realize the “game” was being played long after I’d left. My own game wasn’t “the” game. That’s when I made the connection: this flow was part of an infinite game, and my personal “win” in any single episode didn’t prepare me for the next—it only made me more anxious.

?Applying the Infinite Game principle to these triggers has started to shift my approach. It takes a lot of conscious effort and self-talk, and I’m only seeing early signs of change, but I’m compelled to stay committed to this journey.

Consider some of these daily scenarios in work and life and see how a small shift in mindset can redefine outcomes:

• Managing Metrics - FINITE GAME Tracking performance purely for immediate results and targets.
• Enabling People Who Manage Metrics - INFINITE GAME Developing skills and systems to empower teams to drive long-term results.

• Appraisal Conversations - FINITE GAME Conducting annual reviews focused on performance ratings.
• Coaching Conversations - INFINITE GAME Providing ongoing feedback to support continuous growth and development.

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• Collaboration During Crises - FINITE GAME Uniting teams temporarily to solve urgent problems.
• Collaboration as a Culture - INFINITE GAME Creating a lasting environment of trust and cooperation across teams.

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• Building Networks - FINITE GAME Expanding contacts for immediate career or business gains.
• Building Relationships - INFINITE GAME Investing in genuine connections that foster long-term support and mutual growth.

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• How Can You Help Me? - FINITE GAME Seeking support from others purely to advance personal objectives.
• How Can I Help You Help Me? - INFINITE GAME Creating a mutual exchange where each person’s strengths contribute to shared goals.

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• Conflict Resolution for Harmony - FINITE GAME Addressing conflict only to restore peace and avoid tension.
• Conflict Resolution to Foster Growth - INFINITE GAME Using conflict as a chance to deepen understanding and improve collaboration.

• Customer Satisfaction - FINITE GAME Meeting immediate expectations to ensure quick satisfaction.
• Customer Loyalty and Trust - INFINITE GAME Building trust through consistent value and service for a lasting relationship.
• Winning a Negotiation - FINITE GAME Focusing on securing a favourable outcome in a single deal.
• Building a Partnership - INFINITE GAME Creating agreements that set the foundation for an enduring, mutually beneficial relationship.

• Assigning Responsibilities - FINITE GAME Delegating tasks to achieve short-term goals.
• Empowering Ownership - INFINITE GAME Giving individuals the autonomy to shape their roles and innovate over time.

• Win : Lose - FINITE GAME Viewing success as a zero-sum competition where only one party benefits.
• Win : Win - INFINITE GAME Striving for outcomes where everyone gains, creating a foundation for ongoing success.

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What does the Infinite Game look like for you today? May your week bring infinite possibilities. ??

BlueSky Learning #infinitegame #leadership #mindset