Improv for Leaders!

The other day an ex-colleague who is now heading a key division with a retail chain asked me, “…hey Vinita, how about me joining your improv classes along with my team as an employee engagement program instead of our usual team dinner followed by a late evening movie?”

My answer was fairly simple. Yes, and it will not only be more entertaining for your team, but it might just make the team much more cohesive and you a better leader!

Yes, in order to inspire others, leaders must be able to navigate effectively through change themselves. Change is about pattern breaking. Today's business world which we so fondly call the VUCA world (read: Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) requires leaders and entrepreneurs to be open to new ideas, have flexibility in thought and action, take risks, work within ambiguity and uncertainty and still confidently move forward – just like improv actors!

Improv comes from the word improvise or improvisation, which is something exceptional leaders do well. Taking an improv class will help you learn more than just improvising but it will also allow you to bring a whole new kind of culture to your team or organization, one full of laughter and energy. And I am sure you want to be your better version of leader. You got that feeling you want to leap, be spontaneous… simply do something completely different…live a little more? Improv training is just the thing!

Effective leaders and improvisers both have to make spur of the moment decisions, synthesize information, make others look good, see different perspectives, create and innovate, make relevant connections and serve the good of the whole.

Do you ever have an employee say something to you that is probably not so courteous, unexpected or otherwise, shocking? And, you just stare at them blank, not knowing how to respond. Well, improv will also help you learn how to be more comfortable with yourself so that you become more comfortable with others.

One of my greatest beliefs is that exceptional leaders and people don’t allow anything or anyone to make them feel awkward, embarrassed or uncomfortable. You learn to stay in your body and maintain your poise. This is a lesson that I have learned over and over again and still continue to learn. Improv has helped me develop the tact, the wit and the self-confidence to overcome situations that would normally make me feel extremely uncomfortable.

How is that possible, you might ask? It’s not just about laughing and fun. Improv sessions push us out of our comfort zones. It forces us to respond in the moment to unexpected scenarios and comments in front of an audience or peers and even strangers. Improv is the future of leadership development...and are you and your organization’s leaders ready to respond to all of them, build a culture fit for all of them and engage all of them into your work and organization?

Improv and Expressive Arts in its simplest form help enhance performance and awareness in core competencies such as:

ü Presence - being fully in the moment, listening, and paying attention. Getting past the "inner critic"

ü Thinking on Your feet - ability to respond confidently in the moment while under pressure

ü Flexibility - adapting strategy as new information and situations emerge. Overcoming resistance; transforming blocks and barriers into creative  opportunities

ü Inspiration - drawing forth the energy, passion, and assets in others. Quick and easy storytelling

ü Discovery - new and surprising solutions to old and new situations. Generative thinking - going from either/or to  yes…and… thinking

ü Resourcefulness - recognizing and using the unexpected as opportunity. Risk taking – the paradox of making it safe to take risks

ü Resilience – bouncing back quickly after "failures" or dead ends. Learning to tolerate "failure" and leverage mistakes productively

ü Impactfulness - engaging risk taking and spontaneous behaviors from others

ü Influence - getting buy-in and support for your initiatives.

ü A lot of FUN & PLAY!

You might want to consider using improv training to help prepare your leaders for the future.

With the right people supporting, encouraging, guiding… even pushing you a little bit… Simply Improvise!  is the safe place for you to be yourself.

Pause. Reflect. Simply Improvise!