Think Fast, Act Smart: 7 Lessons from Improv Classes for Account Managers
Shay Berman
President at Digital Resource - Multi-Brand Franchisee - AMA 4 Under 40 - SFBJ 40 Under 40 - 6X Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company - Entrepreneur Mag Top 360 Companies
As an entrepreneur, I'm always searching for ways to equip myself and my team with the edge needed to thrive in today's fast-paced business environment. Never did I think that would lead us to improv classes, but here we are.?
While the world might readily associate improv with witty banter and side-splitting laughter on stage, the truth is that its impact extends far beyond the comedy space. The skills honed through improv classes translate into powerful assets for professionals across various fields, including, and perhaps surprisingly, account managers.?
So, the next time you hear "improv," think beyond the laughter. It's a valuable training ground for professionals who want to hone their communication, enhance their adaptability, and unlock their creative problem-solving abilities—all crucial ingredients for success in today's dynamic business environment.?
Lesson #1: Sharpen Your Thinking Reflexes?
Imagine facing a client who drastically changes their request on the spot. Improv training equips you to react spontaneously, just like one of our account managers did. They used improv skills to:?
Unexpected situations become opportunities to think on your feet and shine.?
Lesson #2: Adapt Like a Pro?
Now, imagine a flawless presentation suddenly derailed by a technical glitch. But instead of panic, our account manager seamlessly adjusted their approach thanks to improv training, showcasing remarkable adaptability. This is the power of improv in action.?
The ever-changing business landscape demands flexibility. With improv skills, you learn to embrace the unexpected, whether it's a shift in client needs, industry disruptions, or unexpected challenges.?
Just like our account manager who adapted their presentation, we've all learned to "roll with the punches," turning obstacles into opportunities to thrive in the face of the unknown.?
Lesson #3: Speak Your Clients' Language?
Adaptability isn't just about reacting to external changes; it's also about adjusting your communication style to build strong client relationships. This is where the communication skills honed through improv shine.?
Improv teaches you to become a master listener, actively absorbing your client's needs and concerns. But it also equips you to respond genuinely and build rapport through clear, confident body language.?
This newfound clarity in communication empowers you to speak your client's language, allowing you to understand their needs and tailor solutions that resonate deeply.?
The result? Stronger relationships, increased trust, and ultimately, more successful client partnerships.?
Lesson #4: Think Outside the Box?
Speaking your client's language is crucial, but sometimes, you must go beyond understanding and spark creative solutions. This is where improv's unexpected benefit comes in: unlocking your creative potential.?
It equips you with the skills to:?
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Remember that major client deal secured through an improv-inspired idea? It's a testament to the power of embracing creativity and its impact on achieving exceptional results.?
Lesson #5: Combine Solo Talent with Collaborative Teamwork?
Unleashing your inner creative genius is powerful, but true success often involves combining individual talents with collaborative teamwork. This is where the spirit of improv truly shines.?
Improv exercises are inherently collaborative, fostering a supportive environment where team members build upon each other's ideas. This spirit translates seamlessly into our account management team, where we rely on each other's strengths and perspectives to achieve common goals.?
The team-building exercises we experienced, filled with laughter and collaboration, solidified our bond and nurtured a "yes, and" attitude. In this spirit, every idea is valued, built upon, and amplified, leading to innovative solutions and exceptional results.??
Lesson #6: Embrace Every Misstep?
The collaborative spirit fostered by improv extends beyond idea generation. It also cultivates a growth mindset, where mistakes are seen as valuable learning opportunities. This is the essence of the "failing forward" philosophy embraced in improv.?
Instead of fearing missteps, we view them as stepping stones to improvement. This shift in perspective encourages experimentation and calculated risks, allowing us to push boundaries and explore innovative approaches. Ultimately, this leads to better results not just for ourselves but also for our clients.?
With this newfound confidence, public speaking situations become less daunting and more empowering. As account managers, we frequently find ourselves in the spotlight, delivering presentations and pitches. Improv training has significantly boosted our confidence in these scenarios.?
Lesson #7: Continuously Improve and Thrive?
The learning doesn't end on the improv stage. Just like constructive feedback is essential for growth in improv; we emphasize the importance of continuous professional development within our team.?
This dedication to learning allows us to:?
Improv may seem unconventional, but it has equipped our team with valuable skills that translate directly into account management.?
From lightning-fast thinking and adaptability to strong communication and collaborative teamwork, we've unlocked a decisive edge that allows us to improve and thrive continuously in today's dynamic business environment.?
The Final Curtain: A Standing Ovation for Improv?
Taking a chance on improv classes has been a rewarding experience for our entire team. We've seen improvements in communication, creativity, adaptability, and teamwork, all essential for success in account management.?
If you're looking for an unconventional but impactful way to empower your team, I encourage you to explore the unexpected benefits of improv! Remember, sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from the most unexpected places.?