Maybe Give Improv a Try?

Fun fact: I was doing some math last week and realized that I have been performing improv comedy for over a decade. And if you’ll indulge me for a few paragraphs, I want to advocate for why you might want to give improv a try, or at least embrace some of its core concepts.

I didn’t start on the path of improv with the goal of developing any professional skills; I did it because I like to laugh, and although I have always secretly wanted to try stand-up comedy, the idea of standing on a stage by myself trying to be funny seemed way too daunting.

If you are unfamiliar with the world of improv, you may remember the show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” where a cast of improvisors would participate in short-form improv – a format of improv comedy where performers play in self-contained scenes or games that typically last a few minutes each. There is also another popular improv format known as long-form, which effectively tells a longer story over the course of 20-60+ minutes. Although there are countless games, forms, styles, variations, and structures for improv, the main gist of the performance style is that everything is made up on the spot. Nothing is pre-conceived or discussed in advance. No one knows the choices that the other players are going to make along the way. There are a handful of very simple rules and guidelines to help move the story forward and provide the general structure but outside of that, it is all created in the moment.

When I explain that part to people, a lot of times I will be told how scary that idea seems. They can’t imagine doing something like that.

but the truth is, we all have experience doing it. In fact, if you think back to your childhood – it is something that you probably did all the time without even thinking about it: “playing pretend.”

As silly as it may seem, playing “pretend” again as an adult is a surprisingly therapeutic practice, and at the same time it helps you to unconsciously develop skills that are beneficial to your professional life.

In the professional world, adaptability, quick thinking, and effective communication are paramount to personal and organizational success. Interestingly, these are the very skills that become honed through improv comedy. As a seasoned consultant and a long-time comedic improviser, I have found that the principles and practices of improv have profoundly enriched my professional life, making me a more effective, empathetic, and creative consultant.

The reason for this is deeply rooted in one of the foundational principles of improv, the "Yes, And" philosophy. This concept encourages acceptance and building on others' ideas rather than shutting them down. In the business world, this approach fosters a collaborative environment where all team members feel valued and heard. By embracing ideas and expanding on them, you can explore innovative solutions and develop strategies that might not have been considered initially, enhancing creativity and strengthening team dynamics and relationships.

Improv requires intense focus and active listening. Performers must be fully present to respond appropriately to their scene partners. This skill translates directly to my consulting process, where active listening is crucial for understanding client needs, identifying underlying issues, and providing tailored solutions. By genuinely listening to clients and colleagues, you build trust, uncover critical insights, and ensure that the strategies developed are directly aligned with goals and business challenges.

If you have ever seen or performed improv, you know quite well that scenes can take unexpected turns at any moment, requiring performers to think on their feet and adapt quickly. This flexibility and adaptability are rooted in the perspective that “if this is true, what else could be true?” The ability to remain calm under pressure, pivot strategies, and find creative solutions on the fly helps ensure that results can be delivered, even in the face of uncertainty.

Last, but certainly not least, is my favorite aspect of improv comedy—the laughter. Humor is a powerful tool in building relationships and creating a positive work environment. Improv comedy, with its focus on humor and connection, has taught me how to use lightheartedness to break down barriers, ease tensions, and foster a sense of camaraderie. In consulting, where client interactions can sometimes be stressful, a well-timed joke or a moment of shared laughter can make a significant difference in establishing rapport and creating a more collaborative atmosphere.

To sum it all up, improv teaches you to be present. It gives you the skills needed to accept the things that you are faced with in the moment and to pivot when what you expect to happen next doesn’t. It teaches you to learn from mistakes in a constructive way and how to form meaningful working relationships rooted in the knowledge that your team has your back. Also, in case I didn’t make it clear in the word salad above, it’s a whole lot of fun.

So, if you ever get the chance to try improv, I highly recommend it. It might just make you a better professional and a happier person overall.

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