A Lesson in Improvisation from Amy Poehler

This past year, I was gifted a Masterclass Subscription by my two leaders. If you haven’t heard of MasterClass yet – I’d encourage you to check it out! It’s an online platform that offers classes taught by many well-known and accomplished instructors that you know and admire. Each offer something different in various fields allowing users to learn from experts in their respective fields.

I have to warn you, it’s a rabbit-hole, but a rabbit-hole worth exploring! The first course I took was one that may seem a bit interesting for someone exploring development of business acumen… it was a course on improvisation - but hear me out… ?the ability to navigate uncertainties, collaborate effectively, and adapt to changing conditions is critical for the success of any leader. Amy Poehler's improvisation principles, shared in her course "Prepare to be Unprepared," offer fantastic insights for professional development. I’d like to share my perspective on some of the key principles that she discussed and how they can be applied to foster growth, innovation, and success applied in a corporate landscape:

1. Keep Saying Yes [Embrace Positivity for Professional Success] - Maintaining a positive mindset is key to seizing opportunities and driving innovation. Saying "Yes" is not necessarily about agreement; it's more of an attitude that fosters a proactive approach to challenges. Embracing a positive mindset encourages risk-taking, propelling teams and individuals to take an “action.”
2. Be a Good Listener [The Overlooked Skill of Effective Leadership] - Effective leadership requires more than just giving commands; it involves being a good listener. Actively listening to colleagues, clients, and team members fosters better understanding and collaboration. Leaders who prioritize listening create an environment where ideas flourish through fast flowing stimuli, resulting in more innovative solutions. And, sometimes, you will be put in environments where you do not have the full picture – so listening for context will be what allows you to drive the outcome.?
3. Find Your Team [Building a Strong Foundation for Success] - Success in business is rarely a solo endeavor. Building a strong team, akin to constructing a supportive community, is essential. A cohesive team shares common goals, understands individual strengths, and collaborates seamlessly. Success is amplified when achieved collectively, making the team a powerful force.
4. Finding the Game [Strategic Navigation in Business] - Finding the game is not about cards, or boards, it means identifying objectives and navigating challenges strategically. Defining the game involves understanding market dynamics, shaping corporate narratives, and aligning actions with overarching goals. This strategic approach ensures that businesses and leaders remain focused and adaptable.
5. Take Up Space [Leadership in Action] - Successful leaders take up space in the arena by actively participating in communication, whiteboarding, decision-making and driving positive change. Initiating action requires being aware of timing - knowing when to jump in and contribute positively to the organization's growth. Deciding when to play your role and embracing discomfort as a growth stage are key components of taking up space thoughtfully.?
6. Can't Be Halfway In [Mastery in Execution] - Success demands total commitment. Hell IS the hallway. Half-hearted efforts result in incomplete execution and hinder the demonstration of competence and confidence which pollutes the waters. Leaders must champion their messages actively, aligning actions with intentions. This commitment is what sets apart successful leaders who leave a lasting impact on their organizations, their teams, and the rooms they occupy.
7. Don't Bail on Your Partners [Resilience in Leadership] - Resilience and ability are exemplified during challenging times. Staying committed to the team, both physically and emotionally, builds trust and fosters resilience. It ties into the above of: “Can’t Be Halfway In.” Clear communication, paired with seeing “it” through, during difficult moments is critical to the team you found. It's the commitment during tough times that defines leadership and is remembered by clients, teams, and employees alike.
8. Don't Worry About Being Cool [Authenticity and Growth] - Encouraging personal growth within a corporate culture involves embracing vulnerability and steering away from the fear of making mistakes. (So long as you learn from them.) Authenticity connects team members, fostering an environment where change is not feared but embraced. Seeking challenges and stepping out of the comfort zone can lead to significant personal and professional development.
9. Playing with Status [Strategic Dynamics in Business] - Understanding and leveraging status dynamics within a corporate setting is essential for effective charting of your leadership. Recognizing the roles in the room individuals play, providing opportunities for others, and acknowledging the diverse talents within a team contribute to a balanced and successful working environment. Adapting roles based on the needs of the moment ensures not only a dynamic team but also an agile and cohesive one at that!

I LOVED this course, taught by a fantastic thought leader who was able to tie together a not so common topic for managers to the very practical business application that all leaders can glean insights from. And, “No” to answer the question, this post is not sponsored or affiliated in anyway with Amy Poehler or MasterClass, but the improvisation principles provide a unique perspective that I’d encourage anyone to explore. Applying these principles in the business world can foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, ultimately propelling individuals and organizations towards sustained success.