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).
by Cary Paul | Oct 4, 2012 | Improvisation
This article is from Cary Paul, our Chief Improv Officer:
There are some great lessons we business types can learn from the world of biology, one of which leads us back to the basic truth about survival: adapt or die. Read on to discover an improv favorite that offers invaluable practice with moving out of personal or organizational ruts and into positive and constructive thinking.
by Andrea Howe | Sep 19, 2012 | Client relationships, Consulting
Most people usually don’t think of empathy as having much business value. In fact, you might think if you start empathizing with your clients,
you’ll lose your edge; you’ll appear “soft;” you’ll lose business. Here’s a compelling story* about a global firm that turned that conventional wisdom on its ear and transformed a big loss into a big win.
by Andrea Howe | Aug 21, 2012 | Client relationships
I lead workshops in different parts of the world that can consume me for days at a time. Heaps of work emails pile up in the meantime. And because I’m slightly obsessive about being responsive, I believe in using auto-replies. A few months ago I started experimenting with unique and sometimes quirky ones (for me). Little did I know they would cause quite a stir.
by Andrea Howe | Aug 20, 2012 | Client relationships
Our Story Time
series brings you real, personal examples from business life that shed light on specific ways to lead with trust. Our last story proved that
good intentions won’t keep you from screwing up. Today’s story highlights the business value of taking time to see the world from another’s perspective.
by Andrea Howe | Jul 25, 2012 | Client relationships, Trusted advisorship
Our Story Time
series brings you real, personal examples from business life that shed light on specific ways to lead with trust. Our last story told of
innovation, trust, and the freedom to fail. Today’s anecdote zeroes in on the importance of
living the trust principles all the time.
by Andrea Howe | Jul 17, 2012 | Client relationships
I can easily preach to my clients that it’s a disservice not to sell—that it’s part of our professional obligation to be of service. Apparently though, I have a problem practicing what I preach when it comes to selling myself—being assertive about calling attention to who I am and what I contribute. Just the other day I was admonished by a colleague (in a very nice way) for being reluctant to send a promotional email to a list of favorite clients. His exact words were, “Don’t waste another moment on worrying about it being too commercial; it is not too commercial, it is very well stated, and it is a service to all of your readers. So, stop that now!”
