One of the books we refer back to repeatedly is a slim volume called “Finite and Infinite Games” by James Carse.
Whether we are working in education, in business, in nonprofits, or with individuals–this concept of “playing to win” or “playing to learn” is important. It frames how we approach work–and how we approach our lives.
Carse’s view is, fundamentally, a systems view. His introduction of the concept of infinite games, games that have no end in their design, and the fundamental commitment of which is to keep the “game in play,” is at odds with the more traditional view of the world (and of organizations) that sees life as a series of discrete encounters, each to be won, lost, or drawn, with a final scoreboard at the end of the mega-game (life itself) that tells us whether we have won or lost. The generative view of organization, on the other hand, sees organizations as essentially creative systems, whose goal is to enhance and foster creation.
In every encounters, we either play to win (a finite game) or play to learn (an infinite game).
The Circle Project works with people, organizations, and communities to move them from playing to win to playing to learn (keeping the game in play).
We know that to be prepared against surprise is to be trained (finite game). To be prepared for surprise is to be educated (infinite game).
Are we merely training students in our schools? Or are we educating them?
