Glossary

Adjacent Possible

The space right next to what we think is possible. The network of ideas and practices at the edge of our reach, limited by our current capabilities, but where innovation can be born. In order to increase our potential for growth and innovation, we increase the networks of ideas, practices, and people to which we are exposed. We increase our adjacent possible. "We grow our adjacent possible through commonplacing."

Commonplacing

The art and science of creating a space to collect others’ ideas, knowledge, observation, and art for future reference, reflection, and adaptation.

Existential Flexibility

The capacity to initiate an extreme disruption to a business model or strategic course in order to more effectively advance a Just Cause.It is an infinite-minded player’s appreciation for the unpredictable that allows them to make these kinds of changes. Source: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek.

Infinite Game

A game played by known and unknown players with no exact or agreed-upon rules and infinite time horizons, no finish line, no practical end to the game. There is no such thing as “winning” an infinite game. In an infinite game, the primary objective is to keep playing, to perpetuate the game.

Finite game - A game played by known players with fixed rules, and an agreed-upon objective that, when reached, ends the game. Source: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek.

Just Cause

A specific vision of a future state that does not yet exist; a future state so appealing that people are willing to make sacrifices in order to help advance toward that vision. Source: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek.

Shiny Object Syndrome

Reacting to a shiny object, wanting to chase every good idea one comes across with “This is it! We have to do this to advance the vision!