Pile On Motivation

Join 21K other subscribers

Tag: The infinite game

  • This is how Great Leaders arrest ethical fading

    Ethical Fading is a term that relates to ethical lapses that individuals resort to when pitted against each other in a culture that promotes short term thinking and goals.

    It is an irony that when we resort to a finite mindset in an environment where already “Ethical Fading” exists , we get more of it.

    Hence the need of an infinite mindset to handle such situations.These are leaders who believe that creating a conducive culture to reverse effects of “Ethical Fading” need huge patience and hard work.

    They acknowledge the fact that this requires a devotion to a JUST CAUSE , a bias for WILL over RESOURCES and the ability to nurture TRUSTING TEAMS.

    Adopted from Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game

  • This comparison makes us realize why “Succession Planning” comes naturally to Great Leaders

    The ability of a plant or tree to produce seeds is the MOST necessary pre-requisite to ensure that their generation thrives for ages….

    Similarly an organization envisioned by a Great Leader can stand the test of time ONLY IF the succession planning is done meticulously and the environment encourages nurturing of leaders who can take the vision forward to ensure that the organization stands the test of time.

    Concept adopted from Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game

  • The NAVY SEALS as well as any great work environment share this in common

    With respect to performance and Trust , Trust is of much higher importance to Navy Seals and their training is oriented to encourage Trustworthy leaders rather than selfish minded high performing individuals.

    Performance is related to technical competence and is more related to Intelligence Quotient which can be trained.On the other hand Trust relates to Character and more so related to Emotional Quotient which is needed to help collaborate with each other.

    The same principles hold good in a highly trustworthy work environment where infinite minded visionary leaders focus on the macro aspects rather than micro aspects.Focus on macro aspects needs encouragement of Trustworthy individuals over High performing selfish minded individuals.

    Concepts adopted from Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game

  • These are the main reasons people are scared to adopt an “Infinite mindset”

    An infinite mindset thinks of the long term without disregarding short term oriented results.

    Such a mindset can be adopted by only a handful of visionary leaders due to the following major challenges:

    1. Adopting this mindset needs to overcome the inherent “fear” resistance of the “devil” or “limbic brain” since our brain is naturally oriented to oppose any change to status quo.
    2. Adopting this mindset encourages to NOT focus on “low hanging” short term gains but focus on long term gains instead
    3. Since this mindset is for the long term , seeing results may take quite some time and needs a lot of patience

    As a result of the challenges associated with adopting this mindset , majority of the people are enticed to take short cuts to realize short term profits to realize the flow of “dopamine”

    Concepts adopted from Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game

  • When do we feel safe to express vulnerability?

    Members in a Trusting Team feel safe in the company of each other.

    They feel free to express their vulnerability since it is a high trust envrionment.

    It is basic human nature for trust to develop when we feel safe to express our vulnerability.

    Hence Trusting team turn out to be High Performance teams.

    Adopted from Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game

  • Why do NAVY SEALS prefer Trust over Performance?

    Whereas Performance relates to technical competence , Trust relates to character.

    In summary Performance is related to IQ whereas Trust relates to the ability to collaborate with everyone , being likable and relates to EQ.

    Hence NAVY SEALS prefer leaders who have high EQ over those with high IQ.

    Adopted from Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game.

  • What is the BEST MANTRA to LEAD a FULFILLING LIFE?

    Inspired from Simon Sinek’s great leadership quotes, this insight highlights the best mantra to lead a fulfilling life.

    “There is NO such thing as WINNING BUSINESS or WINNING LIFE.

    There is only AHEAD and BEHIND.”

  • The Infinite game needs more “Type I” players

    Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game talks about business and life as both Infinite Games where the rules are not defined , the players are unknown and the time is unlimited.

    In both business as well as life , there is nothing like “Winning” or “Losing”.There is only “Ahead” or “Behind”.

    Needlessly to say players in an infinite game need to think of the long term and need to possess an infinite mindset.

    Daniel Pink in his book Drive categorizes such people who are intrinsically motivated towards a JUST CAUSE as “Type I” or intrinsically motivated personalities.Being intrinsically motivated makes these people use autonomy and mastery to work towards a vision or a JUST CAUSE rather than working for money i.e. short term winning.

    Hence the infinite game of life needs adoption of a mindset similar to that of “Type I” personalities.

  • Comparing Motivation 2.0 and Motivation 3.0

    In this post I have tried to arrive at a synergy based on concepts provided by Daniel Pink in his book Drive and the concepts mentioned by Simon Sinek in his book The Infinite Game.

    Motivation 2.0 or Carrot and Stick method of motivation was applicable in the era of Industrial Revolution based on finite mindset

    Whereas Motivation 3.0 is applicable in the modern day of the knowledge worker based on intrinsic motivation related principles.

    The table below outlines the most glaring differences and proves beyond doubt that Motivation 3.0 is adopted by infinite minded leaders in the infinite game of business.

    Motivation 2.0 Motivation 3.0
    Based on extrinsic motivation e.g Rewards Based on intrinsic motivation e.g. autonomy
    Short term oriented Long term oriented
    Result in Type X(extrinsic) personalities Results in long term mindset oriented Type I personalities
    Does not apply in the modern day infinite game Is the best technique for the infinite game
    Encourage narrow mindset , unethical behavior Encourage adopting infinite mindset and long term oriented mindset
    Inherently stressful Inherently oriented towards fulfillment
    Dopamine shot Stimulates flow of Oxytocin
    Common for mundane , routine bound and “Left brain” oriented work Most applicable to encourage creativity , innovation associated with “right brain” oriented work

  • Why adopting an infinite mindset needs courage?

    An infinite mindset is always for the long term letting go short term benefits.

    Needlessly to say this is not for the faint hearted.

    Simon Sinek in his book The Infinite Game highlights the long term merits of adopting an infinite mindset.

    The following quote adopted from the book Infinite Game highlights the same:

    “Bowing to the pressure of the finite players around us is easy and expedient choice.

    This is the reason it takes courage to adopt an infinite mindset.”