The Infinite-Minded Servant Leader
Inspired by The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
Servant Leadership is consistently seen as a weak style of leadership where a leader caters to the people he or she works with, is overtly nice, and lacks the strength to make the critical decisions when needed. In his book The Infinite Game, however, Simon Sinek speaks to a mentality that coincides with the core tenets of servant leadership and shows that the principles of servant leadership are the ones that allow for organizations, businesses, and people to succeed in their endeavors. Although his book is not directly about servant leadership, Sinek does state the core of servant leadership is what it takes to effectively play in the infinite game.
Sinek details five components that are needed to flourish in the infinite game, and I am delighted to share how those components connect to the heart of a servant leader. Perhaps after seeing this comparison, you may have the resources you need to convince those around you know who have been underestimating servant leadership. Or better yet, you may be personally persuaded that servant leadership is in fact the mentality needed to walk in a life of fulfillment-a concept Sinek opens the book discussing.
Just Cause - Servant leadership is much bigger than ourselves and is fueled by a desire for others’ continued growth and success. One cannot walk in servant leadership consistently without a just cause. A just cause, according to Sinek, must be other-centered.
Trusting Teams - The greatness of a servant leader is that they are a person you can reliably trust. Sinek claims that all you must do is ask the members of the team which person will be there when the chips are down. The team will always point to the servant leader.
Worthy Rivals - A servant leader doesn’t see others as their competition or a threat. Servant leaders exist to help build momentum and leverage what others have for the betterment of all. The way Sinek describes a worthy rival should be fully compatible with a servant leader.
Existential Flexibility - Servant leaders are the leaders with foresight because they are not looking at themselves; instead, they are looking toward the future. Therefore, servant leaders have the vantage point to understand when the critical shift needs to happen and have the trust from the team to rally everyone in order to achieve this shift.
Courage to Lead - If some leaders are honest, they shy away from servant leadership- not because it is weak, but because the cost is high to be a servant leader. What do I mean? Giving up everything you have for the greatness of the team means it won’t be about you as the individual. Putting the team before yourself takes courage.
If it is not about you, then how will you win? Winning is finite thinking. Winners always fail in the infinite game because winning has an end. Servant leaders don’t need to win, they should work toward significance. Servant leaders don’t become significant if those around them don’t meet their goals and achieve their dreams. This is infinite thinking. The infinite-minded servant leader challenges the status quo, sees beyond the metrics, and serves to leave a legacy through just causes that others can build on. If you are a servant leader, then you are playing in the Infinite Game.
LYLE TARD is the Founder and CEO of IMPACT Servant Leadership, started in 2018. He has recently retired from active military service in the U.S. Air Force where he served honorably for more than 20 years. Lyle is currently making a difference as a leadership and career coach and consultant.