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Abstractions Quote by Scott Berkun

“It's often people whose jobs are abstractions that see a company as a zero-sum game where they have to fight and defend what's theirs to stay alive or get promoted.” quote by Scott Berkun
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““It's often people whose jobs are abstractions that see a company as a zero-sum game where they have to fight and defend what's theirs to stay alive or get promoted.””

Scott Berkun

About This Quote

Source Book: The Myths of Innovation, 2010

People who view work as a zero‑sum battle fight to protect their position, leading to conflict and competition for survival or promotion.

In simple terms: Work can feel like a zero‑sum game.

Key Takeaway

Foster collaboration over competition.

Themes

workplace competition culture survival

Mood

analytical critical pragmatic

Type

business philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • company restructuring
  • team projects
  • performance reviews
  • leadership training

Key Concepts

game theory organizational behavior career dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you shift mindset to win‑win?
  • What structures encourage teamwork?
A Different Perspective

Collaboration may be hard in competitive environments.

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