Is Your Companies Leadership Playing a Finite Game or an Infinite Game?
Ironically, the final travel experience I had before the new COVID-norm was seeing Simon Sinek speak. The presentation focused on his book, "The Infinite Game," and spoke primarily about finite and infinite mindsets. I suppose I couldn't have asked for a better pep talk, given the world we were about to enter.
While acknowledging that I do not have a full-scope view of every department within our global medical device company, I believe we play the infinite game at CooperSurgical. Our leadership updated our companies vision to be more concise, easily understood, better integrated, and repeatable. We at CooperSurgical are serving towards "a world with healthy women, babies, and families." Our vision is now apart of our identity. But beyond the vision, I feel that it has always been a value of CooperSurgical to be an employer that employees can rely on for support.
From my vantage point within sales, I can share how I've benefited from our companies infinite gameplay. As Certified Surgical Representatives, we introduce medical technology to surgeons and healthcare systems around the globe. The majority of our surgical products are needed in elective procedures. Across the US, we saw cancellation periods for these types of cases. While other industry organizations were laying off their device reps, CooperSurgical paid us out at full commission. They had committed to us, understanding their interest in long-term talent retention, and ignored any short-term fiscal pressures.
Continuing with the supportive community theme, I'd like to highlight a restauranteur in my local area. Josh Kim is the owner of Spot Burger in Philadelphia, PA. Amid his business's COVID-related financial stress, Josh recognized that many of his community members were affected more significantly than himself. He provided free meals for kids who would've otherwise gone hungry. After several neighborhood markets closed, he created a makeshift grocery store and sold all items at cost. "(People say) this mission is short-lived, and it's not. This mission that I have with the community goes beyond the crisis of the pandemic," Josh stated.
It's interesting because, without this course, I wouldn't have recognized that what Josh identified as a "mission" is actually a "vision." I interpret that his vision is to be a part of a sustainable and supportive community. Visions tie in closely to playing the infinite game. I believe that Josh ran this idea through his "values" first and then his "interests." His values led to his unwavering support in the community, and I anticipate that he is interested in his business's long-term viability. I cannot imagine Josh's short-term sacrifices being soon forgotten and admire his recognition of the infinite game.
If you have two minutes, check out Josh's story.