WitWorks

We’re all taught to keep things moving. Manage the project. Keep the ideas flowing. Don’t drop the ball! But here’s the truth: the most valuable skill in collaboration isn’t holding on—it’s knowing when to let go. We’ve seen it happen so many times. A brainstorming session starts strong, ideas bouncing everywhere. But then someone clings to their idea. The room tenses. Progress slows. It’s not because the idea was bad—it’s because the person couldn’t let it go when the team needed to move in a different direction. Letting a ball drop feels like failure. But it’s often the opposite. It’s recognizing that the best solution isn’t always your solution. It’s having the confidence to trust the team over your ego. Next time you’re in a tough collaboration, ask yourself: Am I holding onto this idea because it’s best for the team—or because it’s mine? What would happen if I let this one go? The best teams aren’t the ones where everyone’s ideas make it through. They’re the ones where people are brave enough to drop the ball—and trust that someone else will catch the next one. At WitWorks, we teach teams how to build that trust. Through improv-based workshops, we help teams practice letting go—of ideas, egos, and the need to be right. Because when teams stop competing and start listening, real innovation happens. Curious how this could work for your team? Reach out to Alex Lefeld or Katie Drown to get the conversation started.

Happy Thursday! Here’s another piece of improv wisdom that goes beyond the stage.

In improv, we talk about three types of performers: Pirates (bold and high-energy), Robots (logical and structured), and Ninjas (a balance of both). The best improvisers—and the best leaders—strive to be Ninjas, making choices that serve the bigger picture rather than their own spotlight. The same principle applies to leadership. Servant leaders, like improv Ninjas, foster trust, collaboration, and team success by prioritizing their people over their egos. And the research backs it up: servant leadership leads to higher engagement, better performance, and lower turnover. Check out the latest WitWorks vlog to see how this improv insight can transform your leadership approach! Want to build servant leaders within your team? Reach out to us at www.witworks.com/schedule today! #Leadership #Teamwork #ServantLeadership #ImprovInBusiness Alex Lefeld

Trust isn't built in theory. It's built in ACTION! Last month we had the pleasure of helping Central Ohio Association for Talent and Development (ATD) kick off the new year, and we didn't just talk about psychological safety, we lived it! From the moment we jumped into our first warmup, Seal Friends (yes, there was barking and clapping), the energy in the room was electric. Laughter, quick thinking, and a willingness to play set the tone for a session that was as insightful as it was fun! We had an incredible time with this group and if the conversations afterward were any indication, the feeling was mutual. We learned that psychological safety isn't about making sure everyone is comfortable all the time. It's about creating space where people feel safe enough to speak up, take risks, and even fail without fear of embarrassment or punishment. Improv makes that concept real. We love speaking at events like COATD, but the real magic happens when teams experience "Improv at Work". If your organization is looking for a fresh, interactive way to build trust and collaboration, let's chat! Special shoutout to the COATD crew: Seema Patel MBA, RRT, BSRC, Marla Oppenheimer, David Bleedorn, Todd Remer, Roger Norfleet, Megan Hysell, MA, Mallory Kassoy, Tiffany A. Miller, MEd, CPTD, CSPO, LSSGB, Matt Nichols, Dragana Saas, Terri LoGiudice, Russell Cotter (he/him/his) Alex Lefeld, Katie Drown

In this month’s WitWorks blog, I share a personal story that highlights what fake collaboration looks like in action, and the lasting impact it had. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/e6RJGeQx TLDR: Fake collaboration, whether in improv or the workplace, creates confusion, distrust, and missed opportunities. In improv, some performers push their own agendas, forcing others to follow rather than truly collaborating on stage. The same happens in the workplace when leaders ask for input but disregard it. Or even fail to ask for input from key stakeholders altogether. Looking to strengthen collaboration and communication on your team? Let’s chat! Follow WitWorks on LinkedIn, subscribe to our newsletter, and reach out to explore how improv-based training can help. #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamworkMatters #ImprovAtWork Alex Lefeld

Hey leaders! Want to improve communication and engagement in your workplace? Today's improv principle might help! In improv, one of the key principles for keeping a scene dynamic and engaging is “Don’t Tell Me, Show Me.” When performers get stuck just talking about what’s happening instead of bringing it to life it often leads to stalled storylines and disengaged audiences. But this principle isn’t just for the stage; it applies to the workplace, too! Ever been in a meeting about a meeting? Or talked about a great idea that never made it past the discussion stage? Just like in improv, action fuels momentum in the workplace. In our latest vlog, we break down how “Don’t Tell Me, Show Me” can transform both improv scenes and workplace communication. ?? Want more insights on using improv to strengthen leadership and team dynamics? Follow our WitWorks page for more! ?? Ready to bring an engaging, action-driven workshop to your team? Let’s chat! Reach out to us today via www.witworks.com/schedule #WorkplaceCommunication #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #ImprovAtWork #PsychologicalSafety #EmployeeEngagement #WitWorks

When Plans Change, Confidence Wins! When’s the last time you had to think on your feet? Hannah’s story is one we see all the time—thrown into a high-stakes moment with no time to prep, she didn’t panic. She adapted, stayed confident, and nailed it. It’s a great reminder that in fast-moving workplaces, the best skill isn’t having all the answers—it’s knowing how to roll with the unexpected. That’s why we bring improv into business. Not for comedy’s sake, but to help teams: 1) Think fast under pressure 2) Communicate with clarity (even without a script) 3) Stay engaged and confident when the stakes are high HR, L&D, and ops leaders—if you want teams who are ready for anything, let’s chat. Because work is unscripted, but success doesn’t have to be improvised. #ImprovAtWork #LD #LeadershipDevelopment #HR #WorkplaceSkills #Adaptability