Disruptive Improvisation

Category : Improvisation September 20, 2013

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.

Read More... Disruptive improvisation Disruptive innovation Improv for business

ISO Creativity? Reinvent Leisure Time

Category : Improvisation September 6, 2013

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.

Improv tip of the month: the one skill all master facilitators know and live by

Category : Improvisation May 29, 2013

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.

Read More... Barry Edwards facilitator Improvisation improvise in the moment

A Leadership Mantra for Modern Times: “I Failed!”

Category : Improvisation, Leading with trust April 22, 2013

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!”

Read More... Leadership and failure What improv can teach leaders about failure

Improv Tip: Our Invisible NameTags

Category : Improvisation March 20, 2013

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:

Wanna Boost Teamwork? Improvise Your Own Symphony

Category : Improvisation February 18, 2013

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.

Improv, Inspiration, and a Dream

Category : Improvisation January 21, 2013

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.

Improv Tip of the Month: Change Reaction

Category : Improvisation November 6, 2012

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).

Improv Tip of the Month: What Animals Can Teach Us About Innovation

Category : Improvisation October 4, 2012

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.

The Business of Improv: How Leaders Can Make It Safe to Take Risks

Category : Improvisation July 12, 2012

This article is from Cary Paul, our Chief Improv Officer:

Strong leaders inevitably face the challenge of helping people step outside their comfort zones. Today’s blog sheds light on the two key components of creating an environment that makes it safe for people to try something new.