The rules of improv aren’t just for comedy scenes on a
stage. They’re a great guide for moving ideas forward and creating an
environment that fosters listening, respect and innovation.
By Matt Nagler
Posted Nov. 16, 2014 @ 2:00 am
Posted Nov. 16, 2014 @ 2:00 am
The rules
of improv aren’t just for comedy scenes on a stage. They’re a great guide for
moving ideas forward and creating an environment that fosters listening,
respect and innovation. As Robert Kulhane of Duke’s Fuqua School of Business
said, “Improvisation isn't about comedy, it's about reacting — being focused
and present in the moment at a very high level."
My favorite set of improv rules
(in the headlines below) are from Tina Fey in her book “BossyPants.” Because if
there’s anyone who knows comedy — and business — it’s her.
Agree
The first rule of improve is to
agree. Saying yes doesn’t mean you’re ready to go forward with an idea. It
simply means that you’re ready to engage with the other person. It’s easy to
default to a “no.” No is safer because it means taking fewer risks. But even if
you’re thinking no, say yes. “No” is hard to respond to. “No, we’re too busy.”
“No, it’s not in the budget.” Those statements put people on the defensive and
make it hard to have a meaningful conversation.
By saying yes, you’re telling the
other person that you respect them and their thought process. It means going
into a conversation with your mind open to new possibilities and innovation. It
also makes people more comfortable approaching you with their ideas and collaborations.
“When you’re the person saying
yes to other people, they start to bring you their best ideas,” says Ed
Herbstann, an improv teacher at the Magnet Theater. “When you’re meeting things
habitually with ‘yes, and,’ with an energy of agreement, you transform the way
people perceive you.”
‘Yes, and...’
Saying “yes” is a beginning, but
it isn’t enough. Instead, try some version of, “Yes, and...” In other words,
after you’ve established that you’re engaged with the idea, add something of
your own. First, this tells the other person that you’re listening. If you’re
going to add something to the idea, you have to have heard it – really heard it
– before you can.
Second, “yes, and...” affirms the
value of the conversation. You’re saying, “Let’s think about this together and
see where it goes.” Letting the other person know you’re engaged and willing to
have a deeper conversation always yields a good outcome, whether it’s feelings
of good will or the solution to a vexing problem.
Make statements
Make statements instead of
barraging people with questions. This takes pressure off other people to have
all the answers and gives you the opportunity to be a full contributor to the
thought process. Whether you’re with 2 or 20 people, sharing your thoughts
gives everyone more to work with and build on. And the more everyone actively
listens and contributes, the higher the likelihood that the conversation will
yield a productive outcome.
The other benefit of making
statements is that it stops you from asking permission for your ideas. And that
puts you in a position of leadership. When you’re sharing in a dynamic
conversation, you assure that you’re not just listening to what other people
have to say, but that you’re being heard as well.
There are no mistakes
When you engage with people this
way, there are no mistakes. By approaching ideas not as finite ends with simple
yes or no answers, but as openings, even things that don’t turn out as expected
will create new opportunities and challenges.
Using the rules of improv helps
us break out of our long established patterns and can lead to more creative
problem solving and more openness to others. And that’s a skill you can use
across all workplaces, whether you’re dealing with your boss, you co-worker, or
a client.
Matt Nagler is managing partner,
BANK W Holdings, The Nagler Group, KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting,
Alexander Technology Group, which has a local office at Pease International
Tradeport.