?? From Improv to Agile: 7 Lessons in Adaptability & Collaboration ??

I first came across the book Yes, And by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton, leaders at The Second City, the legendary improv theater that trained stars like Tina Fey and Steve Carell. The book’s premise intrigued me: improv techniques can transform the way we think, collaborate, and adapt to change.

As someone who loves experimenting with different learning methods, I decided to put it to the test—I enrolled in an improv class.

At first, I hesitated. I’m not a comedian. I like structure. I like planning. But curiosity got the best of me.

Stepping Onto the Stage… and Into Agile

After six weeks of training with my troupe, the big moment arrived I stepped onto the stage for the first time. No script. No direction. Just a group of strangers creating something out of nothing.

I panicked. Then, something clicked—this is Agile in action!

Over time, I realized improv isn’t just about being funny—it’s about collaboration, adaptability, and embracing uncertainty. Here are seven Agile lessons I learned from improv:

?? 1. Embrace Uncertainty & Adapt Quickly

In improv, I never knew what’s coming next. You listen, respond, and build on what’s given. Agile teams face the same unpredictability—customer needs shift, priorities change, and surprises happen. Success comes from adaptability, not rigid plans.

?? 2. “Yes, And…” Encourages Collaboration

“Yes, And…” is the golden rule of improv. I accepted what was given and add to it. In Agile, this fosters psychological safety and innovation. Instead of shutting down ideas, teams build on them, leading to creative problem-solving.

?? 3. Iteration Over Perfection

A great improv scene doesn’t start perfectly—it evolves through rapid experimentation and feedback. Agile works the same way—teams deliver small increments, learn from them, and adjust, rather than waiting for a “perfect” solution.

?? 4. Focus on the Team, Not Individual Stars

In improv, trying to be the funniest person in the room usually kills the scene. Success comes from supporting your teammates and co-creating a great experience. Agile teams thrive when collaboration, not individual heroics, drives success.

?? 5. Fail Fast, Learn Fast

Sometimes a joke falls flat. Sometimes a scene dies. And that’s okay! In improv, I didn’t dwell; I moved on. Agile embraces the same mindset: failures are learning opportunities, not setbacks.

?? 6. Listen More Than You Speak

Great improvisers listen carefully before responding—otherwise, scenes become chaotic. Agile teams must do the same with customers, stakeholders, and teammates to ensure they’re solving the right problems.

?? 7. No One Succeeds Alone

Improv is a team sport—if one person fails, the whole scene falls apart. Agile is no different. Cross-functional collaboration, shared ownership, and trust are essential for delivering great results.

?? What about you? Have you ever used improv or creative thinking techniques in Agile? Let’s discuss it! ??

#Agile #Improv #Leadership #Collaboration