Finite Games vs. Infinite Games

Simon Sirek rose to popularity in the business world with his TED Talk "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" based on his book Start With Why.  It transformed leadership across the world, including the sports world, starting with that central question: what's your why?  He followed it up by becoming one of the greatest motivational speakers in the world and writing his second book Leaders Eat Last.  

His most recent release is The Infinite Game.  He uses "game theory" as a way to describe impactful and long-term success in life, business, and elsewhere.

A finite game is defined as known players, fixed rules, and an agreed-upon objective.  Once the objective is reached, the game ends.  Most board games and sports operate this way.

An infinite game is defined as known and unknown players, the rules are changeable, and the objective is to perpetuate the game.  The goal of the game is to play in a way that allows you to keep playing.

When you pit a finite player against a finite player, the system is stable.  Baseball, for example, is stable. When you pit an infinite player versus an infinite player, the system is also stable.  The Cold War was stable because in an infinite game there are no winners or losers.  You cannot lose the game, so we work to keep the game in play.  

It's important to be clear on which type of game you are playing.  If you're in an infinite game and trying to win, you won't succeed, because there are no winners and losers.  In a finite game, you cannot do as you please because you'll get passed up (and lose).

In real life, the games we play are mostly infinite games.  Things like relationships, our health, education and most businesses.  However, much of the language we use in these areas is about competition, winning, being the best, being number one, etc.  How can you be number one when the standards aren't clearly defined?  So, we should be striving to build things that last rather than just trying to win.

Don't misunderstand this concept.  I love to win.  And winning is important, but only when score is kept and the outcome is clearly defined.  

In the wrestling room, learning new skills, understanding positions, etc. are infinite games.  

Live combat, matches, etc. are finite games.  

It's critical that we understand the difference and both partners are on the same page.  We grow frustrated quickly when trying to learn a new skill and our partner fights everything.  The same can be said when we have a very clear 6-minute live go and a wrestler stops to ask questions about a position.  As a coach, I need to be crystal clear about what type of "game" we're playing at all times.  While learning a skill, our partner needs to provide the pressure that leads to success instead of fighting back.  During a live go, a wrestler must hold their thought until the whistle blows before asking that question.  Practices go much smoother and more efficient when the players are all playing the same game.

For us, "play wrestling" and "sparring" are infinite games.  There's no score kept, so no one can win or lose.  The goal is, in fact, to keep wrestling and learn in new positions.  This can take the pressure off that athlete with a fixed mindset (see yesterday's post).  There should be no coaching or instruction during these times unless it's wrestler directed - innovate, create, take risks and keep wrestling.  

"Live" wrestling is straight forward: all wrestling rules apply and there is a clear winner and loser.  It's no hold's barred.  It's not a time to innovate or create if it's causing problems.  Implement sound strategy and tactics and stay on task.  Coaches should wield their whistle and voice their opinions to help motivate the correct attitudes.

Sirek didn't write Infinite Game with wrestling in mind, however, much of game theory can applied to our sport and how we train.  Success in operating a business with an infinite game mindset is to create longevity by drawing people into a just cause with a big vision of the future, treating others with respect and resting in the strength of leadership.  This also defines a successful wrestling program.