The Criticality Of Timing: How Work is Evolving in Web3

The Criticality Of Timing: How Work is Evolving in Web3

In the world of business, timing is everything. Just like in personal relationships, a great match is as much about timing as it is about capabilities and shared values. This holds true for companies as well. At any given point in time, companies have unique needs, opportunities, and insecurities. To truly lead an industry, companies require different leaders or different leadership styles at different times.

One of the most important lessons I have learned over the years is the importance of waiting for the process to unfold. Achieving a vision without breaking the system requires periods of generating buy-in, exhaustive testing, and allowing time for ideas to sink in and people to get on board. Patience is key.

Pacing is also crucial. While it's important to introduce new ideas and innovations, most new ideas should be killed for the sake of focus. Only the best leaders can maintain healthy incrementalism while imposing the occasional transformational jolt when needed. Incrementalism, if not managed properly, can limit the market size and hinder growth. Ideas that are pushed to fruition too late often lose their potential impact.

However, not all ideas can follow a slow and steady incremental approach. Some ideas are inflections and must be executed in full before they can function. The best teams understand when to make this shift and can reorganize themselves accordingly. They can parlay forces already underway to their favor, grounded in the present while capturing a tailwind.

In the realm of investing, timing is equally critical. Investing is a discipline focused on the future that can only be determined by the present. When considering investments, it's essential to have a deep and accurate understanding of present-day problems and humanity's needs. John Maxwell's six principles of being valued, appreciated, trusted, respected, understood, and avoiding exploitation should be kept in mind. Basic human values such as finding joy, exploring curiosity, connecting with like-minds, stimulating pride, increasing social status, and influencing society are also important factors to consider.

When investing, I personally look for teams that are attempting to make a likely outcome happen in a better way rather than defying it. The best teams are able to leverage existing forces and work with the present while creating a brighter future. They are able to identify opportunities and build upon them.

Now, let's shift our focus to the evolving landscape of web3 and the concept of "play-to-earn" gaming. One notable example is the game Axie Infinity, which has made over $3 billion in total sales since its launch in 2018. The game initially gained traction in the Philippines, with players requesting that experience points be tradable tokens. This led to the tokenization of these points and the creation of a liquidity pool on Uniswap, a decentralized exchange.

What made Axie Infinity particularly popular in the Philippines was the economic hardship caused by the lockdown. Regular people who were unemployed and stuck at home began playing the game as a means to escape their circumstances. This highlights the power of play-to-earn gaming in providing individuals with an opportunity to earn income and improve their financial situations.

The introduction of guilds and scholarship programs further expanded the reach of play-to-earn gaming. Filipinos, known for being early adopters, embraced the concept and helped it break out ahead of the rest of the world. This movement of empowering users to own the economic benefits and removing middle-men is unstoppable. By sharing the value generated by the game with the community, Axie Infinity has created a real social network and nation within its virtual universe.

However, managing the capital and token supply within these metaverses comes with its challenges. Ensuring a balance between capital flows and player enjoyment is crucial. While additional capital investment can enhance the experience for players, it's essential to maintain an emotional connection to the game beyond just the monetary aspect. The strong community engagement and referrals demonstrate the deep social and economic relationships built within Axie Infinity.

Looking ahead, the blending of work and play will continue to evolve, and cryptocurrencies will play a significant role in facilitating value exchange. This may lead to new forms of work and economic opportunities that we have yet to imagine. The increasing number of daily active users and the success of Axie Infinity showcase the potential of this new paradigm.

In conclusion, timing is critical in both business and the evolving landscape of web3. Waiting for the right moment, pacing innovation, and understanding present-day problems and human needs are essential. Investing in teams that leverage existing forces and align with the present can lead to successful outcomes. Play-to-earn gaming, exemplified by Axie Infinity, is transforming the way we work and creating new economic opportunities. The future holds endless possibilities for those who embrace this movement.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace patience and allow the process to unfold. Sometimes, waiting for the right timing can lead to greater success.
2. Balance incrementalism with transformational changes. Prioritize focus and kill ideas that may hinder growth.
3. When investing, look for teams that work with the present to create a better future. Understand present-day problems and human needs to make informed decisions.