by Shawn Westfall | Sep 20, 2013 | Improvisation
This month’s improv tip is written by Shawn Westfall, The Get Real Project’s improv guru.
If Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen’s concept of “Disruptive Innovation” taught us anything, it’s that the world as we know it won’t be the same tomorrow as it is today—nor will it be what we imagine. As Christensen points out, disruptive technologies, ideas, and business cultures have the potential to radically transform society as a whole, and often do.
by Shawn Westfall | Sep 6, 2013 | Improvisation
This month’s improv tip is written by Shawn Westfall, BossaNova’s improv guru.
For a professional improv comedian, even “play” becomes work from time to time. In this article, Shawn Westfall shares his personal reflections of an important turning point in his 10-year teaching journey, with valuable lessons for us all about how and when to step aside and start anew.
by Andrea Howe | Aug 20, 2013 | Client relationships, Sales and BD Mastery, Trusted advisorship
In Part 1 of Four Essential Factors for Building Trust with Sophisticated Buyers, I suggested that even though trust-based selling is far from formulaic, it helps to approach it with a formula in your back pocket: the trust equation.
by Andrea Howe | Aug 16, 2013 | Sales and BD Mastery, Trusted advisorship
Here’s something I’ve learned about sales professionals in the years I’ve been leading training programs: they’re avid learners in hot pursuit of excellence. And for the best of the best, “excellence” is determined not by numbers, but by the difference they make. Use this four-part checklist to gain insight into ways to raise your game.
by Barry Edwards | May 29, 2013 | Improvisation
This month’s can’t-miss tip is from Barry Edwards, Improv Contributor.
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to work with a master facilitator, you know first-hand that great facilitation is more art than science. To be masterful, you must learn to lead in the moment and dance with the dynamics of the group.
by Shawn Westfall | Apr 22, 2013 | Improvisation, Leading with trust
This month’s improv tip is written by Shawn Westfall, the Get Real Project’s improv guru.
Somewhere around class three or four of the beginner’s improv class I teach at the DC Improv, I make the entire class stand up, raise their hands, and yell, as loud as they can “I FAILED! I FAILED AT IMPROV! I FAILED AT MAKING CRAP UP! HOORAY!”
by Shawn Westfall | Mar 20, 2013 | Improvisation
This month’s improv tip is written by Shawn Westfall, the Get Real Project’s improv guru.
There’s a popular short-form improv game called “Here Comes Mr. So-And-So,” and here’s how it’s played: you ask the audience to suggest a bunch of personality quirks or annoying character traits or habits, and then assign them to the improvisational actors. The quirkier, more annoying, more challenging, or more outrageous the better. Some of my favorites from past shows I’ve either been in or hosted include:
by Cary Paul | Feb 18, 2013 | Improvisation
This month’s Improv Tip is from Cary Paul, Chief Improv Officer.
Teamwork: a critical component of business and often a cause of robust challenges. When things are off, a cacophony ensues. When the right balance is achieved, beautiful music is made. Read on to learn an easy and fun improv game with the potential to promote harmony on any work team.
by Cary Paul | Jan 21, 2013 | Improvisation
We first shared a longer version of this post in 2012 and thought it was worth another run. Today’s post is by Cary Paul, Chief Improv Officer.
Our best moments may come in an instant of inspiration and improvisation. As we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., you may be surprised to learn his best-known speech was born in just such an instant.
by Barry Edwards | Nov 6, 2012 | Improvisation
This month’s Improv Tip is from Barry Edwards, Improv Contributor.
Think about a change you have experienced in an organization. Did you have to move work space from an office with a view to a cube in the middle of the office? Did a new CEO take the reins of the company? Was there a new policy that affected your day-to-day? Now think about the reactions you experienced. “I can’t believe I’m being downgraded from an office to a cube!” (denial). “The new CEO may fire us all!” (fear). “This new policy will make my job easier!” (acceptance).
