This month’s improv tip is from Cary Paul, Chief Improv Officer:

Don’t get in your own way. We are always encouraging our improv participants to be in the moment and get off script. Effective improv is reliant on participants not over-thinking their next action or reaction. Rather, we focus on listening, and building off our team mates.


That can be difficult to do in improv, in work, and in real life. I’m always getting in my own way. I over-think. I over-plan. I mentally script out how a particular “moment” should look, instead of letting things play out as they would naturally do. Conversely, most of us would probably agree that the best (i.e. most enjoyable, awe-inspiring, breathtaking) moments occur naturally and authentically, without too much scripting.

What might you do this week to be more comfortable in-the-moment?

Originally published by BossaNova Consulting Group, Inc.
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Cary Paul

I just might have the best title of anyone on The Get Real Project team: Chief Improv Officer. I have over 20 years of consulting experience, specializing in process improvement, change management, facilitation and leadership development. __ years ago I took my first improvisational comedy class, which sparked my passion for applying the principles and practices of improv to real-life business challenges. My clients tell me that the custom programs I create produce profound results for leaders needing new perspectives, creative solutions, breakthroughs in communication and teamwork, and a more nimble and energized workforce.