In Simon Sinek’s book “The Infinite Game” he contrasts the idea of infinite and finite games as it relates to organizational operational philosophy and culture. Although I am not a fan of the term game as it relates to the Army; in the context of the book’s central idea it is an effective metaphor. The United States Army is in fact an infinite game, meaning the organization will outlive each of us and continue to grow with no established finish line or time horizon. In contrast a Soldier’s career, assignments, firefights, even operational campaigns are finite games within the infinite game of the United States Army. The finite game has a start and ending…
I challenge each of you to make the most of your time, no matter the assignment or the duty position, every Soldier, Department of the Army Civilian and member of the team are critical and are the keepers of the Army legacy.
Our time in leadership and positions of trust such as a Drill Sergeant is finite and builds upon the legacy of those who came before us. During our time we have a duty to carry the torch for those who will follow. We often talk about “making a difference” as part of a leadership philosophy or when assuming new duty positions and assignments. Rhetorically speaking, what does making a difference actually mean? From my perspective it means continuously improving the organization and positively impacting the intrinsic rewards for Soldiers and their families.
As a Drill Sergeant pre 911, the Soldiers that I had the honor of developing in an initial entry training environment later found themselves as leaders in some of our country’s most significant military engagements. A few even became Drill Sergeants, so although my time as a Drill Sergeant was finite the Army keeps rolling along. I am no different than any other senior leader, a product of those that came before me … a product of an infinite Army.
I challenge each of you to make the most of your time, no matter the assignment or the duty position, every Soldier, Department of the Army Civilian and member of the team are critical and are the keepers of the Army legacy.
The Chief of Staff of the Army states “do the right things in the right way.” I believe if you do things right and in the right way in the finite games you will have infinite impacts solidifying your legacy!
All the Best,
Griffon 7