I love Simon Sinek’s work, and thoroughly enjoyed his most recent book The Infinite Game.
In one section he outlines how each person or organisation playing this infinite game must have a just cause. This includes five elements, and each of these would be great to explore in another post.
But the thing that stood out to me was the way he explained that our just cause is not the same as our why.
So I’m a high school maths teacher.
And a strategic director at a charity.
These are just causes for sure. But there’s something lying beneath both of them that connects to a singular why.
On reflecting some more, I’ve realised the thing that underpins everything I’m doing in both of these spaces is an intentional creation of culture around a vision for the tribes i’m journeying with and leading.
A culture within a classroom that works to create positive change in students. Where they adopt the kinds of attitudes, postures and skills that will serve them well beyond their years at school. But that will definitely assist them in any short-term game they’re playing around tests, grades and exams.
And a culture within our Forever Projects community centred around a vision for a better future for the lives of Tanzanian families. We shine light on our tribe as they use what’s in their hands to fund the work. Then connect them to the impact they’re having via changed lives in Tanzania. Story by story, we’re building an invitational culture for people to become a part of.
These cultures are transformative for everyone involved.
I’m increasingly aware that my contribution to co-creating cultures like this is what I really get off on.
It’s where I feel that sense of flow with my work.
And it’s this intentional focus on creating culture that I believe is the most important ingredient in moving from potential to kinetic.
Looking forward to exploring these cultural themes some more in the coming weeks.
Potentially Kinetic 