The Importance of Prioritizing Service and Collaboration
In the United States, there has been an overemphasis on rugged individualism, and this ideal has backfired on multiple levels. The younger generation is under immense pressure to have everything figured out, work hard, and have a clear vision for their lives. However, no human being is strong enough to navigate life alone.
We have forgotten the value of service to others and our communities. There has been a decline in the sense of taking care of each other, even though as social animals, we thrive as individuals when we also take care of one another.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which is popular in the business world, highlights an inherent paradox of being human. Every day, we are faced with decisions that challenge us to prioritize ourselves or the group. Is it about taking care of ourselves first to be healthy enough to take care of the group, or is it about taking care of the group so they can take care of us when we need it? The answer is that both perspectives are right and wrong, as it is a paradox.
We have wrongly prioritized rugged individualism and self-actualization at the expense of shared actualization and taking care of each other. It's time to reevaluate our values and embrace the joy that comes from the success of others. Just as parents find intense joy in their child's success, we should also find joy in the success of our colleagues, co-workers, and friends. It's time to shift our focus from "what about me?" to "how can we take care of each other?"
In modern society, we have become obsessed with finite games, where there are known players, fixed rules, and an agreed-upon objective. However, life is an infinite game with known and unknown players, changeable rules, and the objective of perpetuating the game. When we play with a finite mindset in an infinite game, we experience a decline in trust, cooperation, and innovation.
Politics is a clear example of the decline in trust and cooperation. Instead of working together for the greater good, politicians prioritize their individual interests and re-election. This selfish mindset hurts the general population and undermines cooperation, innovation, and trust. It's essential to recognize that there is no winning or losing in infinite games like politics or business. We must shift our focus from winning to building strong, long-lasting businesses and communities.
Embracing an infinite mindset can lead to finite success. We need to ask ourselves, "To what end?" when pursuing money, promotions, or success. The true measure of a meaningful life lies in the kind of people we are and the positive impact we have on others. We have become so obsessed with finite goals that we overlook the importance of our relationships, well-being, and the long-term health of our organizations.
Health is a better analogy than sports or war when it comes to building a business. Building a business requires ongoing practices and choices that contribute to the overall health and well-being of the organization and its members. Trusting the process and embracing the infinite game mindset is crucial for long-term success.
However, our current incentive structures and short-term focus prevent many individuals and organizations from adopting an infinite mindset. We fear the unknown and prioritize immediate results, even if it means neglecting the principles of the infinite game. This mindset only leads to damage and missed opportunities for growth and collaboration.
To be better leaders and human beings, we must recognize that we are all on the same team, even if we don't know all the players. We need faith in the human race and the understanding that our actions and choices impact others. By considering the lives of others and treating them with kindness and empathy, we can create a culture of trust, cooperation, and shared success.
