Yes, and: three improv concepts to inspire thought leadership Jennifer Giralo and Will Hightower Yes, and: three improv concepts to inspire thought leadership

What is improv? Improv is the theatrical performance of creating scenes and characters without preparation, usually with an ensemble. Improv is usually associated with comedy; however, as we’ll learn today, it’s more focused on the art of connection, trust, and listening. These techniques will help you be a better leader, listener, and team member. Today, we’ll be applying core principles of improvisation used onstage into leadership practices. This is something that companies all over the world have adopted, including Google, Pepsi, and Pixar. The truth is, we all use the basics of improv everyday. Communication is a differentiator in any industry, and these techniques can help your team with interview prep, strategy meetings, and team connectivity.

Warm-up Round 1

Warm-up Round 2

1 Yes, And The foundation of improv is the absolute commitment to your team members and the information they are giving you. In improv, there are no wrong answers. In fact, giving a solution is better than asking questions. Questions in an improv scene puts the pressure on the other person in the scene to answer the question and add information. Instead, improvisers say yes, while adding to what their team member said. This technique is called yes, and. It’s important to note that this is a concept, and Yes, And comes in many forms, not just the words Yes, And. It’s a concept of agreeing and steering the conversation into a direction. It’s a way to create a safe environment for ideas and collaboration. It’s validation and acknowledging others. Exercise One Word Story – Create a story by each contributing one word at a time in a circle. APPLICATION Yes, and shapes the way we are viewed in a professional setting. Yes, and creates a safe environment for brainstorming with no judgment or wrong answers. Yes, and also applies to leaders. Leaders are brainstorming and presenting possible solutions, instead of asking questions. Using yes, and the next time a challenge arises, keep in mind that leaders bring solutions to the table and contribute to the scene. Bring potential ideas and solutions to your team for further evaluation. On the other end of the table, create a safe environment for those bringing ideas by saying metaphorically saying yes and encouraging their creativity. In a group meeting where ideas are being exchanged, build off of each other’s ideas by accepting all answers. This will encourage participation and allow for creative solutions.

2 Be present The second basic principle of improv is being present. Getting out of your head is essential on stage so that team members can listen and add to the conversation or the action. Good listening is more than just hearing what the other is saying. Good listeners engage, encourage, and add on to what others are saying. Exercise This is not a pen. Describe the pen as something other than the pen, be inspired by the last person’s suggestion. “This is not a pen, this is a…” Remember to encourage your team members by cheering any answer they give. APPLICATION This technique comes into play in team meetings. We have a lot of noise around us including things that happen at home or emails/messages received on our phones during a meeting. Being present in the meeting builds group connection. Bring present also helps us with problem solving and attention to detail.

3 Make your partner look good. In improv, it’s all about making your team member look good. We do this by saying yes and adding to their dialogue and being present for them when they take risks. All of these concepts build group trust and cohesion. The magic behind teamwork in improv or in a business setting is the selflessness each person gives toward the common goal. Exercise Circuits – pass one circuit of “you’s”, one circuit of fruits, and one circuit of animals, then combine all. Key to this activity: eye contact, repeat circuit if your partner does not catch the message. APPLICATION As this exercise demonstrated, verbal/nonverbal feedback is essential to group communication while outside noise affects our messages. Make sure that when you send messages that your team members are present and are actively listening. In an email, communicate feedback through confirmations, especially for deadline sensitive tasks. Observe when a team member has not received your message, and follow up with them. Show your team that you have their back. Teamwork benefits the greater good of the company.

Questions

Resources Torch Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona Second Beat Improv Theater, Phoenix, Arizona National Comedy Theatre Jennifer Giralo, jgiralo@walshgroup.com Will Hightower, willbhightower@gmail.com