Skills for an Unscripted Leader

"Make your partner look good."

"Play the scene you're in."

"See the offers as gifts."

What do all of thee sentiments have in common? They are guidelines for practicing an improv mindset.

The most popular tenet of improv is "Yes, and...". And for good reason.

"Yes, and..." is a practice in open mindedness, curiosity, humility, interdependence, intentional listening, divergent problem solving, engagement... (Need I got on?)

But these others are lesser known. And equally as powerful and genius-inducing.

In today's message, let's dive into the first concept: Make your partner look good.

Let's face it. We live in an individualistic culture, and sometimes even the most humble of us forget to step gracefully out of the spotlight to invite other voices, views or ideas into the conversation.

And aren't we in desperate need of those other voices and views? Might spotlighting our peers or community members deepen perspective and incite new and different ideas?

In an improv scene, one way actors are invited to 'make (their) partner look good' is by graciously and enthusiastically receiving?each others ideas.?Another way is to celebrate mistakes and build on those mistakes to progress the story.

Making your partner look good?is one of the highest forms of humility, creativity and generosity -- and is of service to the ensemble and to the entire performance.

What situations can you think of to?make your partner look good?

Might there be an opportunity in your weekly meeting or during a client call with your team? What about at home or in your community?

How might you spotlight people in your life, by practicing this skill?

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