There is something for everyone in improv, whether you’re attending a conference or networking event, presenting to your board, pitching investors or clients, or just interacting with peers from the industry.
Bob Kulhan and Chuck Crisafulli have written: “Getting to Yes And’: Business Improv”. It is one of my favorite books about improv. For managers and business owners, the authors pose great questions: “Does your organization have a culture that encourages failure and allows people to share their ideas?” Are you able to build trust and mutual support within your team? Are you able to instill an attitude of acceptance and openness?
All of the questions above relate to building a strong company culture. Great cultures keep employees happy, which is good news for everyone. It is expensive to train and hire new employees.
A CNBC article states that companies listed on the 2016 Fortune 100 Best Company to Work For list had 50 percent less voluntary turnover than peers. In today’s knowledge-driven economy, the competition for talent is fierce. It is crucial to retain the best talent once a company has been hired.
Your team will be more open to new ideas and communication if you teach them how to use improv at work. Kulhan discusses how improv can lead to creativity, risk-taking, innovation, flexibility and strong and supportive teamwork.
Interested in booking an online improv team-building experience for your employees? Click here to learn more: www.improvclassonline.com
Improv is based on the rule of “Yes, but” This is the code that allows magic to happen on stage. The same thinking can make magic in the office. Improv actors can accept suggestions and offers from their audience members or fellow actors when they use “Yes, and”. The “and” function is to enhance the scene. An actor might hand the invisible hammer to another actor. The first actor may say, “Here’s the hammer you requested.” The second actor responds, “Yes, I need it to destroy my toilet.” Continue the scene.
Kulhan writes that “Yes, and” helps to develop mindfulness. It makes it possible for true innovation to occur when teams accept and add to each other’s ideas. It is important to allow teams to share their ideas. This empowers them and makes employees happier.
Improv will help you accept others, listen better and not fear failure. These are the key elements that have helped me in my career. The “Yes, and!” rule has helped me accept all the challenges I face in my business. By listening to what the speaker has to say, I am able to listen better and have learned how not only can I but also what they are saying. Actually, I try to let the other person speak the bulk of my thoughts. Improv taught me to not fear failure which has been a huge help in my public speaking and sales calls.
Interested in booking an online improv team-building experience for your employees? Click here to learn more: www.improvclassonline.com
