I believe life is a game. Sometimes the game is enjoyable, at times challenging, and always an opportunity for growth. How we approach this game, particularly from an organizational perspective in policing, can influence success, wellness, opportunity and growth, thereby shifting the internal culture.

We often hear about and discuss the challenges posed by a toxic culture in first responder organizations, and the lives that are lost or shattered as a result. This includes the inability to process our traumatic events in a healthy manner while carrying the weight of life on our shoulders. And yet, what if exploring how we engage in this endeavour offered insights that could shift the outcome of this culture?

As a brilliant mentor once explained, playing the game from a finite or infinite mindset provides the opportunity to do just that: shift the culture. He explained how, when we are clear on our why—why we do what we do in policing—the various components of the infinite game influence and indicate how an organization values its people, especially in the realm of policing. Recognizing how finite game measures often infiltrate and take over is crucial, as is the importance of filtering through organizational processes based on the why, to ensure they align with an infinite mindset.

What are finite and infinite games? Both require at least two players to be played. A finite game involves fixed rules, a beginning, a middle and an end. An example of a finite game is hockey; there are known players with a common objective of placing the puck in the opposing team’s net while keeping their own net clear. They play this game with a clear set of rules. When those rules are broken, a penalty is imposed. When the game is over, there is a winner and a loser. An infinite game involves both known and unknown players; although governing documents, such as policies and procedures, may be in place, no clear consensual rules are established. There is independence among the players, and they may choose not to follow those governing documents. The game is ongoing, a journey, not a specific event, and there are no winners. This part is key to understanding the infinite game through an organizational lens.

How or what mindset we choose to play this infinite game in policing is key to both our success and our contribution to organizational culture.

Policing organizations are considered an infinite game, as are all businesses. Relationships are also an example of infinite games, whether they are played that way or not. There are no winners and no end, even though it may be perceived otherwise in relation to promotions and marriages. When we consider life and death, none of us will be winners.

The reason this seemingly simple and yet complex lens is worth exploring is that how or what mindset we choose to play this infinite game in policing is key to both our success and our contribution to organizational culture. Many leaders play the organizational infinite game with a finite mindset, but in policing, there are no finish lines, making it impossible to win. While policing organizations often value trust, innovation and cooperation, playing an infinite game with a finite mindset erodes these very components. Without these values, policing organizations risk perpetuating mental health issues, organizational liability and a toxic culture.

As the leaders that each of us is, we have the opportunity to learn and understand how to provide safe spaces where our people are inspired to support their community, no matter their role in policing. Where our people wake up every day feeling connected, anchored and empowered with the tools, resources and confidence to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and growth. That is my why, and working with an infinite mindset is the most efficient and effective way to support trust, innovation and cooperation with those around me.

In my next column, I’ll be exploring and providing actionable pieces to ensure you, as leaders, are providing an infinite mindset in your policing environment while playing this infinite game.

Michelle Vincent PhD/MACP is a retired officer and the founder of The Haven, Ontario’s first non-profit, inpatient treatment centre exclusive to first responders and uniform personnel. Contact her at michelle.vincent@thehaven.cloud.