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Category: Leadership

  • Nikolai Vavilov and his just cause

    Nikolai Vavilov was a renowned Soviet agronomist , botanist & geneticist who had a vision of creating a bank of plant seeds to protect the world from famine and similar disasters due to the unavailability of crops and plant seeds.

    His vision became the “just cause” which got his fellow doctors so engaged that even during the emergency situation in Leningrad they were prepared to protect the seed bank at the cost of their lives.

    At a time wherein during the Nazi invasion in Leningrad , starvation forced people consume zoo animals , cats , dogs these followers of Vavilov gave their lives trying to protect the seed bank because they were drawn by the larger vision of Vavilov.

    By means of this example , Simon Sinek very aptly proves why “just cause” is a cornerstone of playing infinite games.

  • Importance of a just cause in an infinite game

    Just cause is a vision which has not been realized but a cause that is worthy enough for believers to even be ready to sacrifice their lives.

    The goal of an infinite fame is not to win but to keep playing for the future realization of something bigger than ourselves.

    Hence the importance of the just cause especially to a leader to keep the followers engaged.

    Thus an organization which enables the employees to work for a just cause are ones where employees end up loving their jobs.

    Simon Sinek makes a mention of this in his book titled “The Infinite Game”.

  • What are the Five principles to lead with an Infinite Mindset?

    To lead an organization with an infinite mindset , in the infinite game of business , a leader needs to adhere to the below mentioned five principles to lead with an infinite mindset.

    The five principles to lead with an infinite mindset have been summarized below:

    1) Advance a just cause

    2) Build trusting teams

    3)Study worthy rivals

    4)Demonstrate existential flexibility

    5)Have the courage to lead

    Simon Sinek very aptly makes a mention of this framework in his book titled “The Infinite Game”.

  • Why a finite leadership mindset is addictive?

    Though the game of business is infinite , there has been a rise of leaders with a finite mindset trying to run the show in the game of business.

    A finite mindset which results in quick short term gains often comes at the sacrifice of employee benefits and empathy.

    Terms such as “Number one in the industry” seem very flashy & saleable to the board as well as shareholders.For this simple reason we see CEO’s of modern day organizations obsessed with competition always trying to outwit them rather than wanting to be a better version of their ownselves.

    This is addictive like gambling and such short term benefits increase the flow of “dopamine” thus make these short term tactics seductive.In the long run though , these have very detrimental effects for an organization as a whole.

    Simon Sinek makes a mention of this in “The Infinite Game”.

  • Shortcomings of a finite leadership mindset

    According to McKinsey , the average longevity of a S&P 500 firm has been steadily decreasing from an average of 61 years to 18 years.

    The primary reason for this has been attributed to a leader’s shift in mindset from infinite to finite.

    The moment quarterly numbers become topmost priority , shortcuts like employee layoffs are used to shoot up profits , mistrust , non-cooperation emerge as the biggest byproducts messing up the environment.

    Simon Sinek has made this point in his book named “The Infinite Game.”

  • Why is there a need to hire ‘A’ grade employees for emerging start ups?

    The “Art of The Start” by Guy Kawasaki mentions the following famous saying of Steve Jobs , on the need to hire ‘A’ grade employees , for any emerging start up:

    ‘A’ grade employees would hire ‘A’ grade employees , ‘B’ grade employees would hire ‘C’ grade employees , ‘C’ grade employees would hire ‘D’ grade employees and soon the organization will be filled with bozos of no use.

  • Welcome post for motivation preachers and seekers

    Welcome post for motivation preachers and seekers

    By means of this first post would like to mention that this blog site is for preachers and seekers of motivation.In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives each one of us look forward for that shot of motivation and inspiration to re-energize ourselves in order to carry on our daily chores. With lessons learnt from numerous self help and motivational best sellers let us prepare ourselves to embark on the journey towards fulfillment.