The document provides an overview of the benefits of improvisation training for business. It lists several ways that improv training has helped respondents think more quickly, deliver presentations more effectively, be more spontaneous, gain sensitivity to audiences, encourage collaboration and creativity, and more. The next chapter will outline the 10 commandments of improv, which are principles that authors of the book used to describe their improv experience.
How do the people you admire the most choose to communicate? Words are powerful. Learn how to use them wisely with our latest SlideShare.
www.getsmarter.co.za
4 ways to watch what you say as a leader new animated_slideshareGetSmarter
ย
Have you ever walked away from talking to a colleague with the feeling that what you had to say was valued?
Here are a number of simple yet effective habits you can implement into your daily conversations, to have a positive impact on those around you.
My first advertising agency gig was educational, inspiring, exciting, terrifying and humbling. I screwed up. A lot. I learned a lot about professionalism, work ethic, hustle and how difficult it is to impress your Creative Director. It was also one of the most valuable and transformative periods of my life.
What follows are five lessons I learned during that time, and the takeaways you can use in your own careers.
10 Steps great leaders take when things go wrongGetSmarter
ย
http://resources.getsmarter.co.za/
Most of us avoid taking action because weโre afraid to fail. The truth is, every failure is simply one step closer to success. So, are you counting your failures as stepping-stones to success? These 10 tips will motivate you to approach failure with a fresh perspective.
How do the people you admire the most choose to communicate? Words are powerful. Learn how to use them wisely with our latest SlideShare.
www.getsmarter.co.za
4 ways to watch what you say as a leader new animated_slideshareGetSmarter
ย
Have you ever walked away from talking to a colleague with the feeling that what you had to say was valued?
Here are a number of simple yet effective habits you can implement into your daily conversations, to have a positive impact on those around you.
My first advertising agency gig was educational, inspiring, exciting, terrifying and humbling. I screwed up. A lot. I learned a lot about professionalism, work ethic, hustle and how difficult it is to impress your Creative Director. It was also one of the most valuable and transformative periods of my life.
What follows are five lessons I learned during that time, and the takeaways you can use in your own careers.
10 Steps great leaders take when things go wrongGetSmarter
ย
http://resources.getsmarter.co.za/
Most of us avoid taking action because weโre afraid to fail. The truth is, every failure is simply one step closer to success. So, are you counting your failures as stepping-stones to success? These 10 tips will motivate you to approach failure with a fresh perspective.
Atlanta BDPA Saturday Seminar - Critical Thinking - Branding & NetworkingDerrick Brown
ย
How do you differentiate yourself for a 21st Century economic environment? How do you make yourself innovative? How do you make yourself IN DEMAND! Watch this presentation and learn to Lock The Job!
Most of us get suspicious when someone says: โTrust me!โ When
it comes to trust, actions definitely speak louder than words.
During this Huddle, your team members will learn how to earn
the trust of their customers by the way they behave. For more info: www.nafcu.org/deluxe
UX Sheffield: The (M)admen of the 50s were the first User Experience designersBunnyfoot
ย
UX Sheffield: A monthly event in Sheffield, where we invite speakers from around the country to come and talk about their experiences in research and design projects.
The (M)admen of the 50s were the first User Experience designers: and we should revisit what many have forgotten to improve the experiences of today.
by Jon Dodd from Bunnyfoot
A Skeptic's Guide to Branding (RefreshPDX 2/16)Zoe Landon
ย
For many technically-minded people, "branding" and other business terms are a sort of taboo subject. Something looked at with disdain, or at minimum, skepticism.
However, a strong personal brand can make a developer's career smoother. So, I've tried to explain the concepts in a way that skeptical techies - like myself - can understand.
The โCourse Topicsโ series from Manage Train Learn and Slide Topics is a collection of over 4000 slides that will help you master a wide range of management and personal development skills. The 202 PowerPoints in this series offer you a complete and in-depth study of each topic. This presentation is on "The Art of Conversation".
In our professional life we often experience these situations...
Differing opinions. Value that is not understood by others. Teams with a too narrow focus on one solution.
How do we change someone's mind in these situations? How do we motivate our colleagues to support new initiatives and adopt new ideas? How do we get teams unstuck from an idea, and enable them to see a bigger or different picture?
This talk shares my insights and experience into these questions.
This presentation was given at a Design Thinking workshop as part of Philly Tech Week 2017. Topics covered include an intro to design thinking, a User Journey mapping activity, and a Team Design Challenge.
BusinessLink is the digital magazine entrepreneurs. . It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
The difference between Thought Leadership and Content MarketingOlivia Barrow
ย
Many of the business leaders I speak to know they need to be doing something related to content marketing or thought leadership, but they don't know the difference between the two.
This slideshare was produced by Humanicity Copywriting as part of our client success series. For more content, go to humanicitycopy.com/stories/
Atlanta BDPA Saturday Seminar - Critical Thinking - Branding & NetworkingDerrick Brown
ย
How do you differentiate yourself for a 21st Century economic environment? How do you make yourself innovative? How do you make yourself IN DEMAND! Watch this presentation and learn to Lock The Job!
Most of us get suspicious when someone says: โTrust me!โ When
it comes to trust, actions definitely speak louder than words.
During this Huddle, your team members will learn how to earn
the trust of their customers by the way they behave. For more info: www.nafcu.org/deluxe
UX Sheffield: The (M)admen of the 50s were the first User Experience designersBunnyfoot
ย
UX Sheffield: A monthly event in Sheffield, where we invite speakers from around the country to come and talk about their experiences in research and design projects.
The (M)admen of the 50s were the first User Experience designers: and we should revisit what many have forgotten to improve the experiences of today.
by Jon Dodd from Bunnyfoot
A Skeptic's Guide to Branding (RefreshPDX 2/16)Zoe Landon
ย
For many technically-minded people, "branding" and other business terms are a sort of taboo subject. Something looked at with disdain, or at minimum, skepticism.
However, a strong personal brand can make a developer's career smoother. So, I've tried to explain the concepts in a way that skeptical techies - like myself - can understand.
The โCourse Topicsโ series from Manage Train Learn and Slide Topics is a collection of over 4000 slides that will help you master a wide range of management and personal development skills. The 202 PowerPoints in this series offer you a complete and in-depth study of each topic. This presentation is on "The Art of Conversation".
In our professional life we often experience these situations...
Differing opinions. Value that is not understood by others. Teams with a too narrow focus on one solution.
How do we change someone's mind in these situations? How do we motivate our colleagues to support new initiatives and adopt new ideas? How do we get teams unstuck from an idea, and enable them to see a bigger or different picture?
This talk shares my insights and experience into these questions.
This presentation was given at a Design Thinking workshop as part of Philly Tech Week 2017. Topics covered include an intro to design thinking, a User Journey mapping activity, and a Team Design Challenge.
BusinessLink is the digital magazine entrepreneurs. . It gives advice, tools and resources to CEOs and owners of small-to-midsize companies as well as new entrepreneurs that help accelerate their growth.
The difference between Thought Leadership and Content MarketingOlivia Barrow
ย
Many of the business leaders I speak to know they need to be doing something related to content marketing or thought leadership, but they don't know the difference between the two.
This slideshare was produced by Humanicity Copywriting as part of our client success series. For more content, go to humanicitycopy.com/stories/
Importer and Supplier of tools and equipment such as 'Gedore' Hand Tools, 'Hazet' Hand Tools, 'Stahlwille' Hand Tools, Friedrich VDE Insulated Tools, 'Gedore' Torque Tools, 'NORBAR' Torque Tools, 'Tohnichi' Torque Tools, 'Britool' Torque Tools, 'Weidmuller' Crimping Tool, 'Knipex' Hand Tools & Crimping Tools, 'Pressmaster' Crimping Tools, M And L Pneumatic Screw Driver, Pneumatic Tools And Accessories, Uryu Tools, v, Infrared Thermometer(IR).
Orthodontic Pliers Orthodontic Instruments Distal end cutter, ligature cutter...Sajeel Anwar
ย
We are manufacturers and suppliers of finest quality dental Orthodontic Pliers, Orthodontic instruments, Distal end cutter, ligature cutter, hard wire cutter, bird beak plier, tweed plier, weingart plier, arch forming plier, T-plier, three prong plier, bracket removing plier, step plier, Bracket removing instruments of all kinds and sizes.
We have decades of experience and extensive knowledge in medical field.
Our world class instruments are specifically designed to offer both exceptional quality and value for money.
As a result of our hard work and commitment to excellence we are one of the most respected companies in the industry. Our products are trusted by thousands of doctors worldwide. Our range of specialized dental and surgical instruments are uniquely manufactured by the highest standards of craftsmanship.
We offers a huge variety of instruments from Forceps, Elevators, Orthodontic pliers, Needle holders, All Dental instrument, Dental Implants include syringes to scissors, Tweezers, Scalers, Explorers, Pluggers, Curettes, Composite and various other Surgical instruments, Orthopedic instruments, Electrosurgical instruments, etc.
Call / Whatsapp : 0092 345 6768889
Email : info@medicaldesignpk.com
Gmail : medicaldesignpk@gmail.com
Skype : medicaldesignpk
Web : www.medicaldesignpk.com
How listening deeply can transform you into a better leader, designer, resear...Pei Ling Chin
ย
It almost sounds silly to attend a talk on listening, because surely we know how to listen. But do we, really? I discovered during and after this talk that a lot of team issues can be resolved if only teams learn to develop empathy, and empathy can only be developed through listening deeply. The listening deeply method was first learnt through Indi Young's Advanced Training Series.
Excellent insight into using dynamic questions to move along meetings, projects and generally communicate more effectively worth saving and sharing if you have the time..
Meet-Beat Your Way To Sales Growth and Productivity ImprovementGeorge Evans
ย
If you would like a FREE copy of this book email me with "Send Book' to george.evans@thepdfchef.com
Part 1 of The Executive Summary shows you a technique that will have you smashing targets like an adrenalin fueled downhill ride and not an uphill struggle.
An empathy workshop that addresses some practices that can help exhibit effective empathy. This is important for a project manager to truly understand the issue and any underlying emotions at hand before taking action or applying judgement.
Career Success A to Z by Abhishek Ratnaboyunruled79
ย
Career Success A to Z consists of 26 very simple but extremely powerful lessons which will propel
your career to new heights. Lessons presented in this book are short but have a very deep meaning.
Readers are expected to think hard and apply these lessons most appropriately for a great career
success.
The MTL Professional Development Programme is a collection of 202 PowerPoint presentations that will provide you with step-by-step summaries of a key management or personal development skill. This presentation is on "Constructive Feedback" and will show you how to give and receive helpful and effective feedback to and from others.
Graham Thomas - The Testers Toolbox - EuroSTAR 2010TEST Huddle
ย
EuroSTAR Software Testing Conference 2010 presentation on The Testers Toolbox by Graham Thomas. See more at: http://conference.eurostarsoftwaretesting.com/past-presentations/
To make yourself eligible to apply for a job and to be successful at the job, you need to exhibit a mix of skills : โEmployability Skillsโ. Employability skills are those skills necessary for getting, keeping and being successful in a job. Employers are often looking for skills that go beyond qualifications and experience. For employers, getting the right people means identifying people with the right skills and qualities to fulfill the role and contribute to the organization's success.
11 easy ways to finally overcome your fear of public speakingKhalid Abdullah
ย
EIECC Aims & Objectives
The general aim of this program is designed to help motivate Muslims who speak English reasonably & fluently to lead in presenting Islam effectively to non-Muslims & spread the message of peace to the entire world.
The objectives of the program are such that on completion, participants should have:
โข an improvement of the cross-cultural Islamic English Communication Competence
โข learning a very powerful a new model of self-directed learning to continue learning after the workshops in teams
โข a reasonable knowledge of Islamic terminology & jargon to refute misconceptions
โข the basic ability to discuss Islamic concepts in English cross-culturally
โข the ability to give short presentations on Islamic topics of their choice
โข Ignition of the passion to lead in using English communication skills for presenting Islam
7 Tips To Help You Speak Up About Bad BehaviourNgagementworks
ย
Bullying, bad behaviour, not appreciating or valuing behavioural differences and diversity within the workplace is still prevalent. For an individual or team member, it can cause major personal problems and trauma and often result in the person leaving the organisation. This then also impacts on the organisation. So what can you do if you or a colleague are the victims of bad behaviour? Here are 7 tips that may help the situation.
Similar to The Dance of Collaboration - excerpt from Improv to Improve your Business (20)
The role of online social networks in inter-firm collaborative innovation and...Dr. Rob Duncan
ย
Rob Duncan\โs 2012 doctoral thesis on the role of online social networks in inter-firm collaborative innovation and problem solving. Research into a population of LinkedIn users showed how people have formed important relationships with people in other organizations through tools like LinkedIn, and that those relationships have allowed them to be more innovative and effective in their work. Also suggests a starting framework of best practices for organizations wishing to make conscious use of online social networks in their organizations.
LinkedIn Inter-firm Relationships: Collaborative Asset or Competitive RiskDr. Rob Duncan
ย
Inter-firm relationships facilitated through online social networks like LinkedIn are both a collaborative asset and a competitive risk. Although there are clear benefits to sharing ideas and problems with an extended professional networks, there are also risks of inappropriate or accidental sharing of sensitive information with competitors due to a lack of formal policies, guidelines or training around the appropriate usage of online social networks and the types of information that can and can't be shared over these networks. These risks can be mitigated through best practices such as the creation of explicit guidelines on inter-firm information sharing as well as training to educate users on the use and interpretation of the guidelines. Employing these risk reduction strategies will ensure that the benefits of inter-firm connectedness continue to outweight the risks.
Competitive Intelligence - Fast, Cheap & Ethical By Rob Duncan March 5, 2009Dr. Rob Duncan
ย
Join professional speaker and critically acclaimed author Rob Duncan for this valuable presentation on how you can gather top quality competitive intelligence without breaking the bank!
The Big Power of Small Favors: Using Linked In For Relationship BuildingDr. Rob Duncan
ย
Join social media expert Rob Duncan for this crash course on LinkedIn and how it can be used to build businesses of all sizes. Learn about how the biggest benefits come through helping others first through small favors.
Teambuilding Lessons From A Voyage Around Cape Horn 2009Dr. Rob Duncan
ย
Join Rob Duncan on his epic 80 day voyage around the dreaded Cape Horn on a tall sailing ship. Thrills, chills and life lessons abound in this inspiring and motivational presentation.
Unveiling the Secrets How Does Generative AI Work.pdfSam H
ย
At its core, generative artificial intelligence relies on the concept of generative models, which serve as engines that churn out entirely new data resembling their training data. It is like a sculptor who has studied so many forms found in nature and then uses this knowledge to create sculptures from his imagination that have never been seen before anywhere else. If taken to cyberspace, gans work almost the same way.
The world of search engine optimization (SEO) is buzzing with discussions after Google confirmed that around 2,500 leaked internal documents related to its Search feature are indeed authentic. The revelation has sparked significant concerns within the SEO community. The leaked documents were initially reported by SEO experts Rand Fishkin and Mike King, igniting widespread analysis and discourse. For More Info:- https://news.arihantwebtech.com/search-disrupted-googles-leaked-documents-rock-the-seo-world/
RMD24 | Debunking the non-endemic revenue myth Marvin Vacquier Droop | First ...BBPMedia1
ย
Marvin neemt je in deze presentatie mee in de voordelen van non-endemic advertising op retail media netwerken. Hij brengt ook de uitdagingen in beeld die de markt op dit moment heeft op het gebied van retail media voor niet-leveranciers.
Retail media wordt gezien als het nieuwe advertising-medium en ook mediabureaus richten massaal retail media-afdelingen op. Merken die niet in de betreffende winkel liggen staan ook nog niet in de rij om op de retail media netwerken te adverteren. Marvin belicht de uitdagingen die er zijn om echt aansluiting te vinden op die markt van non-endemic advertising.
3.0 Project 2_ Developing My Brand Identity Kit.pptxtanyjahb
ย
A personal brand exploration presentation summarizes an individual's unique qualities and goals, covering strengths, values, passions, and target audience. It helps individuals understand what makes them stand out, their desired image, and how they aim to achieve it.
Personal Brand Statement:
As an Army veteran dedicated to lifelong learning, I bring a disciplined, strategic mindset to my pursuits. I am constantly expanding my knowledge to innovate and lead effectively. My journey is driven by a commitment to excellence, and to make a meaningful impact in the world.
"๐ฉ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ผ๐ต ๐พ๐ฐ๐ป๐ฏ ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐บ ๐ฏ๐จ๐ณ๐ญ ๐ซ๐ถ๐ต๐ฌ"
๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฌ (๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ) is a professional event agency that includes experts in the event-organizing market in Vietnam, Korea, and ASEAN countries. We provide unlimited types of events from Music concerts, Fan meetings, and Culture festivals to Corporate events, Internal company events, Golf tournaments, MICE events, and Exhibitions.
๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฌ provides unlimited package services including such as Event organizing, Event planning, Event production, Manpower, PR marketing, Design 2D/3D, VIP protocols, Interpreter agency, etc.
Sports events - Golf competitions/billiards competitions/company sports events: dynamic and challenging
โญ ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ:
โข 2024 BAEKHYUN [Lonsdaleite] IN HO CHI MINH
โข SUPER JUNIOR-L.S.S. THE SHOW : Th3ee Guys in HO CHI MINH
โขFreenBecky 1st Fan Meeting in Vietnam
โขCHILDREN ART EXHIBITION 2024: BEYOND BARRIERS
โข WOW K-Music Festival 2023
โข Winner [CROSS] Tour in HCM
โข Super Show 9 in HCM with Super Junior
โข HCMC - Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Festival
โข Korean Vietnam Partnership - Fair with LG
โข Korean President visits Samsung Electronics R&D Center
โข Vietnam Food Expo with Lotte Wellfood
"๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ, ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐ฃ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐๐ฒ. ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฐ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ."
Affordable Stationery Printing Services in Jaipur | Navpack n PrintNavpack & Print
ย
Looking for professional printing services in Jaipur? Navpack n Print offers high-quality and affordable stationery printing for all your business needs. Stand out with custom stationery designs and fast turnaround times. Contact us today for a quote!
Premium MEAN Stack Development Solutions for Modern BusinessesSynapseIndia
ย
Stay ahead of the curve with our premium MEAN Stack Development Solutions. Our expert developers utilize MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js to create modern and responsive web applications. Trust us for cutting-edge solutions that drive your business growth and success.
Know more: https://www.synapseindia.com/technology/mean-stack-development-company.html
Buy Verified PayPal Account | Buy Google 5 Star Reviewsusawebmarket
ย
Buy Verified PayPal Account
Looking to buy verified PayPal accounts? Discover 7 expert tips for safely purchasing a verified PayPal account in 2024. Ensure security and reliability for your transactions.
PayPal Services Features-
๐ข Email Access
๐ข Bank Added
๐ข Card Verified
๐ข Full SSN Provided
๐ข Phone Number Access
๐ข Driving License Copy
๐ข Fasted Delivery
Client Satisfaction is Our First priority. Our services is very appropriate to buy. We assume that the first-rate way to purchase our offerings is to order on the website. If you have any worry in our cooperation usually You can order us on Skype or Telegram.
24/7 Hours Reply/Please Contact
usawebmarketEmail: support@usawebmarket.com
Skype: usawebmarket
Telegram: @usawebmarket
WhatsApp: +1โช(218) 203-5951โฌ
USA WEB MARKET is the Best Verified PayPal, Payoneer, Cash App, Skrill, Neteller, Stripe Account and SEO, SMM Service provider.100%Satisfection granted.100% replacement Granted.
Discover the innovative and creative projects that highlight my journey throu...dylandmeas
ย
Discover the innovative and creative projects that highlight my journey throughย Full Sail University. Below, youโll find a collection of my work showcasing my skills and expertise in digital marketing, event planning, and media production.
Remote sensing and monitoring are changing the mining industry for the better. These are providing innovative solutions to long-standing challenges. Those related to exploration, extraction, and overall environmental management by mining technology companies Odisha. These technologies make use of satellite imaging, aerial photography and sensors to collect data that might be inaccessible or from hazardous locations. With the use of this technology, mining operations are becoming increasingly efficient. Let us gain more insight into the key aspects associated with remote sensing and monitoring when it comes to mining.
Falcon stands out as a top-tier P2P Invoice Discounting platform in India, bridging esteemed blue-chip companies and eager investors. Our goal is to transform the investment landscape in India by establishing a comprehensive destination for borrowers and investors with diverse profiles and needs, all while minimizing risk. What sets Falcon apart is the elimination of intermediaries such as commercial banks and depository institutions, allowing investors to enjoy higher yields.
Business Valuation Principles for EntrepreneursBen Wann
ย
This insightful presentation is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and tools needed to accurately value their businesses. Understanding business valuation is crucial for making informed decisions, whether you're seeking investment, planning to sell, or simply want to gauge your company's worth.
Accpac to QuickBooks Conversion Navigating the Transition with Online Account...PaulBryant58
ย
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to
effectively manage the convert Accpac to QuickBooks , with a particular focus on utilizing online accounting services to streamline the process.
RMD24 | Retail media: hoe zet je dit in als je geen AH of Unilever bent? Heid...BBPMedia1
ย
Grote partijen zijn al een tijdje onderweg met retail media. Ondertussen worden in dit domein ook de kansen zichtbaar voor andere spelers in de markt. Maar met die kansen ontstaan ook vragen: Zelf retail media worden of erop adverteren? In welke fase van de funnel past het en hoe integreer je het in een mediaplan? Wat is nu precies het verschil met marketplaces en Programmatic ads? In dit half uur beslechten we de dilemma's en krijg je antwoorden op wanneer het voor jou tijd is om de volgende stap te zetten.
4. โThere are people
who prefer to say โYes,โ
and there are people
who prefer to say โNo.โ
Those who say โYesโ are
rewarded by the
adventures they have.โ
~Keith Johnstone
5. CHAPTER 1:
Benefits
of Improvisation
improvise: [verb]
create and perform spontaneously
or without preparation
from Latin improvisus โunforeseen,โ based on provisus,
past participle of providere โmake preparation for.โ
The speed of business is increasing. The best plans in
business require creativity and flexibility to recognize new
opportunities as markets shift. Are you keeping up?
It is more important than ever for entrepreneurs,
leaders and business professionals to implement innovative
solutions, engage employees and communicate effectively
with customers.
Dr. Robert Epstein, Harvard-trained researcher and
professor and former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today, is one
of the world's leading experts on creativity and innovation.
In a Psychology Today article, he says, โOne way to accelerate
the flow of new ideas is by challenging yourself โ that is, by
putting yourself in difficult situations in which you're likely
to fail to some extent.โ
According to innovation consultant, Steve Shapiro, โYour
big breakthroughs will come by looking outside your area of
expertise, by making connections.โ
The principles of improvisation can help you make new
connections and navigate the challenges of businesses,
1
6. Improv to Improve Your Business
regardless of your position within an organization. The
stories and experiences collected in this book share how a
variety of entrepreneurs and business leaders incorporate
improv into everyday business interactions to stimulate
creativity, nurture innovation and achieve more effective
communication.
In gathering information for this book, this LinkedIn
question was posted:
โHave you taken an improvisation class or workshop?
If so, how do you incorporate the principles of improv
into your business interactions?โ
Here are some of the ways respondents felt training in
improvisation has been of benefit to them:
- Helps me think more quickly on my feet
- Helps me deliver presentations more effectively
- Helps me be more spontaneous
- Helps me gain sensitivity to my audience
- Helps create an environment of support with
members of my team
- Helps me seek win-win outcomes
- Helps me think more creatively
- Helps move an idea along with each team
member contributing along the way
- Helps me be more comfortable taking risks
- Helps me creatively problem solve
- Helps encourage better communication
- Helps sharpen problem-solving skills
- Helps me see change as opportunity
- Helps me eliminate self-doubt and self-judgment
2
7. CHAPTER 1: Benefits of Improv
- Gives me confidence and ability to quickly refocus
and alter my message when a prospect has a
different agenda than expected
- Helps me organize thoughts more quickly and
speak coherently off the cuff
- Enhances critical thinking to quickly pull the most
important piece of info from a group of details
- Helps me listen, process quickly, respond
- Helps me expand on points I want to make more
easily
- Helps me become comfortable with following my
intuition
- Helps me self-correct on the spot
- Helps me read situations more accurately
- Increases my confidence and charisma
- Transforms the way I interact with others
- Helps me interpret interpersonal dynamics more
accurately
- Reminds me to have fun and incorporate play
into my day
- Helps me focus on the task at hand, make fewer
mistakes and increase productivity
- Helps me switch gears easily when something
unexpected happens
- Helps encourages collaboration
- Helps foster flexibility
- Helps makes new connections
- Helps generate new ideas
The next chapter outlines the 10 COMMANDMENTS OF
IMPROV. These are basic principles of improvisation that all
3
8. Improv to Improve Your Business
the authors of this book used as common ground to describe
their improv experience. This particular list of ten commandments
was created by Brent Brooks of Blank Stage Productions.
Many of the authors in this book have been players at Blank
Stage as part of their improv training.
This pdf contains the chapter from a single author. You
may purchase the complete book on Amazon with chapters
from eight additional authors. In addition, the Amazon version
of the book contains comments from business professionals
who answered our LinkedIn question (and gave their
permission to have their comments included in this book),
along with a list of recommended books, blogs and improv
games.
4
9. CHAPTER 2: The 10 Commandments
of Improv
โThe real voyage of discovery lies not in seeking
new landscapes, but in having new eyes.โ
~ Marcel Proust
โWhen we live life as an experiment,
we are far more willing to take risks,
to acknowledge failure, to learn and develop.โ
~ Peter Bregman
5
10. Improv to Improve Your Business
COMMANDMENT ONE
TRUST
Letโs get started with our first commandment, trust. A
painter trusts his tools to execute his vision. An actor has to
trust that his tools, which are the other actors on stage, will
adhere to the fundamentals and basics of improvisation. The
difference here is that a painter has control over his paintbrush,
whereas an actor has no control over his fellow actors. This is
why trust is essential in improv. An actor has to be able to
trust the other actors on stage.
โYou canโt have success without trust.
The word trust embodies almost everything you
can strive for that will help you succeed.
You tell me any human relationship that works
without trust, whether it is a marriage or a
friendship or a social interaction; in the long
run, the same thing is true about business,
especially businesses that deal with the public.โ
~ Jim Burke
6
11. CHAPTER 2: The 10 Commandments of Improv
COMMANDMENT TWO
AGREE ON STAGE: DON'T ARGUE
The second commandment of improvisation is agreement,
or the notion of agreeing on stage. Beginning players tend
to disagree on stage โ they think that conflict creates an
entertaining scene. This is correct, but the execution is
wrong. When you disagree or argue on stage you destroy
the scene. All the audience sees is a power struggle between
two actors. Instead, agreement allows a scene to progress
and makes the audience curious about what will happen next.
โThe more diverse the workplace, the more
powerful the fuel for creativity.
Instead of viewing differences as obstacles,
we can acknowledge and accept them
(say, โYes!โ to them) and build on the ideas,
perspectives and energy they provide.โ
~Pamela Meyer
7
12. Improv to Improve Your Business
COMMANDMENT THREE
LISTEN
The third commandment of improv is listening.
Without listening, improv is pointless. The players in a scene
need to respond to one another in order to move the scene
forward.
"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a
creative force. The friends who listen are the
ones we move toward. When we are listened
to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand."
~ Karl A. Menninger
8
13. CHAPTER 2: The 10 Commandments of Improv
COMMANDMENT FOUR
DON'T BE FUNNY
The fourth commandment of improv is donโt be funny.
Many people learning improv believe that they need to get
on stage and automatically make the audience laugh. This is
not true. You don't want to TRY to be funny at all. You
don't want to force the audience to laugh. What you do
want to do is follow the 10 Commandments of Improv and
as a result, the audience will automatically be entertained.
โLifeโs more amusing than we thought.โ
~Andrew Lang
9
14. Improv to Improve Your Business
COMMANDMENT FIVE
AVOID QUESTIONS
The fifth commandment of improv is avoid questions.
When you ask a question on stage, you force the other actor
to come up with a new idea. This is a bad habit because you
are forcing the other actor to create the scene on his
own. Instead, both actors should be participating and
building the scene together.
โThe nice thing about teamwork is that
you always have others on your side.โ
~Margaret Carty
10
15. CHAPTER 2: The 10 Commandments of Improv
COMMANDMENT SIX
BE AVERAGE: KEEP IT SIMPLE
The sixth commandment of improv is be average, in
other words just keep it simple. Donโt try to steal the scene,
but at the same time don't fade away into the background.
Every actor on stage holds an equal part in every scene. No
one person is more important. Think of improv as a team
sport. Nine times out of ten, it is a simple phrase or situation
that cracks the audience up. Long, drawn out lines and
scenes become too complicated and you lose the attention
of the audience.
โIt is the essence of genius to make
use of the simplest ideas.โ
~ Charles Peguy
11
16. Improv to Improve Your Business
COMMANDMENT SEVEN
STAY IN THE MOMENT
The seventh commandment of improv is stay in the
moment. In improv, all that matters is the here and now.
Donโt even think about what might happen next. This
distracts you and takes you out of the moment. Often actors
predetermine their characters, environment or situation.
A scene can go in any direction at any moment, so it is
important to keep an open mind and pay attention to what
is going on around you. It is also easy to predetermine what
reaction you will get from another actor. This is dangerous
because if you donโt get the reaction you expected, you
get stuck.
โLife is about not knowing, having to change,
taking the moment and making the best of it,
without knowing whatโs going to happen next.โ
~Gilda Radner
12
17. CHAPTER 2: The 10 Commandments of Improv
COMMANDMENT EIGHT
MISTAKES ARE GOOD
The eighth commandment of improv is mistakes are
good. Nine times out of ten, you are going to make mistakes
on stage. You are going to forget a name, you are going to
be at a loss for words, you will bump into someone. The
catch is knowing that making mistakes is a part of improv and
should be embraced. This should help take away any fear you
have about doing improv.
โTo live a creative life, we must lose
our fear of being wrong.โ
~ Joseph Chilton Pierce
13
18. Improv to Improve Your Business
COMMANDMENT NINE
MAKE THE OTHER
PERSON LOOK GOOD
The ninth commandment of improv is give gifts. What is
meant by this? Well, a gift can be a physical gift, but more
often than not a gift is when an actor who is actively
listening and supporting the other actor provides them with
something to expand upon what has already been created
on stage. A gift helps to further develop an idea, environment,
or relationship. Here is an example. Say that player A loves
to garden and is planting some vegetables. Player B has
been paying attention to the scene and to help develop a
relationship, gives player A some pumpkin seeds to plant in
the garden. As soon as you find something out about another
character, give them a gift that supports their idea or trait.
โNo one can whistle a symphony.
It takes an orchestra to play it.โ
~H.E. Luccock
14
19. CHAPTER 2: The 10 Commandments of Improv
COMMANDMENT TEN
HAVE FUN
The tenth commandment of improv is have fun. If you're
not having fun, then you're not doing improv. Yes, there are
all the commandments and guidelines to improvisation, but
the spirit of improv is to have a good time. Get rid of any
stress and anger and anxieties โ let go of it all. And donโt
take improv too seriously. If you adhere to the first nine
commandments, there is no way that you wonโt have a
good time.
โAll work and no play doesnโt just make
Jill and Jack dull, it kills the potential of
discovery, mastery, and openness to
change and flexibility and it
hinders innovation and invention.โ
~ Joline Godfrey
15
20. โCapital isnโt that
important in business.
Experience isnโt
that important.
You can get
both of these things.
What is important is ideas.โ
~ Harvey Firestone
34
21. The Dance of
CHAPTER 5:
Collaboration
Rob Duncan, Great Capes Consulting
www.RobDuncan.com
โIdeas are like rabbits.You get
a couple and learn how to
handle them, and pretty soon
you have a dozen.โ ~ John Steinbeck
Improv is a dance of collaboration that takes the seed of
one personโs idea and builds it into an entire scene. In the
business world, the dance of collaboration can lead to a
product, a business โฆor a thesis. Iโve just completed my
doctorate in business leadership with an emphasis on how
businesses are using social networks for innovation with help
from one of my on-line networks.
I tapped my LinkedIn network to research and test my
premise that on-line networks were supporting innovation.
Iโm directly connected to over 6000 people, which indirectly
connects me to about 17 million people also on LinkedIn.
Iโm fascinated by how communities of people can be connected
who normally wouldn't meet. A CEO might meet someone
who works in the mailroom in a different location. Or business
professionals, who have thousands of miles between them,
are able to connect just through the idea market on LinkedIn.
My participation in this book is a perfect example of this
phenomenon. I responded to a question on LinkedIn that
35
22. Improv to Improve Your Business
co-author Vanessa Lowry had posted. She and I were not
even directly connected and now weโre collaborating on this
project. That's exactly the kind of phenomenon others shared
during the course of my research.
My thesis questioned if networks like LinkedIn are
actually creating more communication inside and between
organizations, and if that's helping people become
more innovative.
The first part of my data was collected from answers
to a survey taken by 500 respondents within my network.
The second part of my research material was collected from
interviewing senior executives to get their perspective of how
social networks have and will impact their business. The size
of organizations that participated ranged from global
mega-companies to companies with only a few employees.
I asked about things like people's habits when they use
LinkedIn, how many hours a week they spend on it, what do
they use it for, and more. I collected data on the fact that
people actually do use LinkedIn to become more innovative
and to help people solve problems. I started to see how
people interacting in on-line communities was similar to
how players interact on the improv stage.
My research showed that many people using on-line
networks like LinkedIn are instinctively using improv principles
like TRUST, MAKE THE OTHER PERSON LOOK GOOD and
HAVE FUN.
Of the business professionals who participated in my
research, 80% were open networkers, which by philosophy
means they will connect with just about anybody who seems
reasonable. This is an interesting parallel to improv as you
must TRUST enough to connect with people โ both on stage
and in the audience. Only after you trust can you can see
people working together to expand ideas. Thatโs when the
scene or the idea can take off.
36
23. CHAPTER 5: The Dance of Collaboration
I discovered a range of motivations for why people are
using on-line social networks. According to my research, 8
out of 10 professionals wanted to meet new people and
make new contacts. This reminded me of improv in the way
that it's an adventure to connect with people who have a
different perspective than yours. With LinkedIn and other
on-line networks, you are able to meet people from thousands
of miles away, working in diverse jobs, with their own unique
perspective, and you may even become friends with them.
About 60% of respondents said they use LinkedIn for
exchanging ideas. This was higher than I thought it would
be. I thought people would be using it more for helping
them prospect, but more than half were actually using it to
expand their bank of ideas.
People definitely look to their networks for help and
they also like to help other people online. That was a very
strong finding with 8 out of 10 people agreeing with that.
Further results showed that 6 in 10 agreed that their
networks help them innovate. And 7 in 10 said their net-
works help them find new business opportunities. Over half
of the people agreed that their networks help them solve
problems faster. They are MAKING ONE ANOTHER LOOK GOOD.
With a strong on-line network, you have easy access to a
group of people interested in exploring new ideas, finding
new opportunities, and collaborating on solutions. That
hooked into the improv part of me. At its best, that's what
you do in improv with each person adding to an idea and
generating something that's wildly funnier or more substantial
than you would've ever dreamed.
The Q&A community on LinkedIn in particular was
interesting to me. There are many people who go on every
day and try to help people. To me that exemplifies improv. I
participate regularly in the Q&A community and find it to be
overwhelmingly positive and cooperative. Those are necessary
37
24. Improv to Improve Your Business
characteristics for a successful improv session as well.
I will often pop in to the Q&A community when I need a
break and want to shift gears mentally. I'm a curious person
by nature and I enjoy people. When I've answered a question,
I check back several times to see if anyone has reacted to my
answer, has a different answer and to see what direction the
on-line conversation has taken.
There is a commandment of improv that says AVOID
QUESTIONS. That seems like a paradox when Iโm talking
about the Q&A community on LinkedIn, but this is how I see
the two coming together. When you're on stage with other
improv players, the reason to avoid questions is because it
might stop the action. It forces the other player to come up
with all the ideas, as opposed to making statements that
they can easily build on. So in improv, if you're asking the
other player a question, you're forcing them to do the
creative heavy lifting.
The correlation with the Q&A community is that you
should add value for your part of the conversation. For
example, donโt just post a link to a website, but take the
time to write out what information in the link pertains to
the question being asked. It's like helping a reporter out
with a query. They want you to answer their query (question)
and not just send a link to a website that they then have to
sift through. The other part of that is that since your
perspective is uniquely different from theirs, the idea
sparked from your experiences will be different from the
person asking the initial question. That is where collaboration
can shine.
One of the key improv principles is HAVE FUN. More
than a third of respondents (37%) mentioned fun and that
they participate in LinkedIn because they enjoy it.
To be successful in your participation in on-line networks,
you have to be forgiving and just laugh. Realize that people
38
25. CHAPTER 5: The Dance of Collaboration
have all kinds of different motivations for being there. It is
amazing that all these people are taking time out of their day
to add a thought or to help someone out. Time is incredibly
valuable and expertise is priceless. Theyโre taking time to help
out or add an opinion, so we should just take it easy.
It is the same with improv. In a scene, players go from
being on the bus, then they may get off the bus at the zoo
and suddenly they are helping a giraffe give birth. You just
suspend your vision of where you think things are going and
run with it. That's where the hilarious stuff happens. One
idea just gets wackier than the next and it is brilliant fun.
The best mindset on stage or on-line is where you donโt
care where this is going, but see interaction as creative seeds
for innovation.
One of the things becoming more apparent with social
networking is that executives at the top level of the company
don't have control in the way they used to. I see companies
that want to forbid anyone to use online social networking.
That particularly drives me crazy because how do you think
you're going to stop them? Employees are going to be in the
restroom on their iPhones twittering about you.
My research confirms this. Your staff knows their peers
and others in the companies that are your competition.
They know your customers through online social networking.
They're exchanging ideas. Smart companies want to harness
the connectedness of the staff and not try to overly control it.
The smart companies are the ones embracing social
media because they realize their employees are already
participating. They realize that folks who work for them are
connected to some amazing people and have remarkable
insights. They have guidelines for the right kinds of messages.
They may have a policy outlining three things you must not
say and five things you can never talk about, like new
product development. Beyond that, they encourage
39
26. Improv to Improve Your Business
employees to go build relationships.
They train employees to see that their on-line participation
can reflect well on the company and how they can each be a
messenger of goodwill. Employees may also be the first to
hear if a customer is unhappy about something that is being
done or problems that are surfacing in a particular product.
Some companies set a time limit of 20 minutes in the
morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon for their employees
to connect with their networks while they are at work. By
supporting and training their employees, the company can
build good social capital with customers as well as with
other organizations. Many organizations now have a social
media coordinator as part of their marketing department.
The guidelines established by some companies just
encourage people to adhere to the same guidelines of
behavior as if they were at a dinner party. Basics of good
taste like avoiding vulgarity and profanity.
A CEO that I interviewed said he actually relies on the
personal networks of his employees. He heads a small
software development firm with innovative social media
products. Whether they are looking for the right person to
hire or just want to reach a particular type of consumer, this
leader checks in with his employees to see who they know.
They can often go to their LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter
networks and immediately pull that person up. It is a
progressive viewpoint for a CEO.
In addition to on-line communities, Iโve use the principles
of improv extensively in my business roles off-line.
I have two business lives. I have my own business
called Great Capes Consulting. I work with companies and
organizations, training them on how to build intelligent
teams, how to use competitive intelligence to a company's
advantage and how to motivate people. I also do a lot of
public speaking from keynote addresses to workshops. I
40
27. CHAPTER 5: The Dance of Collaboration
recently conducted a two-day training session for one of the
ports here in Canada on the concept of competitive intelligence.
My other business life is as Director of the Centre for
Applied Research & Innovation at British Columbia Institute
of Technology (BCIT). I helped raise the necessary funds and
set up this centre for research and innovation. We raised
about 8 million in total funding from various sources.
Primarily, we work with fledgling entrepreneurs who are
just starting out โ who have an idea or an invention and we
help them get it from the idea stage to the market place.
We hold commercialization boot camps where we
introduce inventors to one other. Often they have been
working solo for a long time. We put them into a team and
provide information and resources. Things like how they can
protect their inventions, how to do the right market
research so they can be sure they're coming out with the
right product and guide them on how to get a prototype
made.
We also have a prototyping facility where we can actually
help take a client from a concept to a protected piece of
intellectual property. Then we help them create a prototype
and hopefully assist in taking it to the marketplace.
Both my consulting and director roles dovetail into
innovation, collaboration and building networks.
When I got into improv, I realized a lot of the improv
philosophies were things I did instinctively as a team builder,
as a manager and definitely as a teacher. I think my favorite
commandment of improv is always say YES, and then building
on what the other person just said. It was a great validation
to see that โYES, ANDโ was actually a tool of improv used to
create as a team.
At the college, I manage a team of about ten people
and always need to come up with new ideas. As the leader I
want to build on every little idea. It ties into the concept of
41
28. Improv to Improve Your Business
โYES, ANDโ in improv and the principle of MAKE THE
OTHER PERSON LOOK GOOD. I want to give other people
credit. Even if I might have wanted the idea they ended up
coming up with in the first place, I don't lead with that. I
share the challenge and the creative process with them.
One benefit to being part of a teaching institution is
that the culture is about helping everybody become better
at something. As a teacher you don't say โThat's a dumb
idea.โ You say, โI see where you're going with that, but
would you also consider this?โ It's a very supportive โYES,
ANDโ type of improv thing.
That runs counter to very traditional micromanaging,
commanding kinds of cultures under which some businesses
operate. For leaders who are innate micromanagers, it is
hard to release control to the group. It can be very scary
and, unfortunately, the most innovative ideas get stifled.
The commandment DONโT BE FUNNY is key from an
improv collaboration standpoint. In improv class, we used to
say you don't have to hit a homerun when it comes to you.
Your contribution to the movement in a scene can be
something small like saying, โthen she got on the bus.โ It
still can end up being an amazing improv scene. You don't
have to have the last word. And there is no way you can
control everything. Have the intent of just adding something
small, instead of feeling like you have to add something big.
Adding your small contribution to the scene or the idea can
give other people space to engage their creativity and to
build on it together.
There's so much pressure on managers to be the decider
and the person who knows best. I think DONโT BE FUNNY is
also saying that you don't always have to have the last word.
Let things develop and let the ideas bounce around. Thatโs a
huge element for innovative ideas.
Some of the meetings where my team accomplishes a lot
42
29. CHAPTER 5: The Dance of Collaboration
are when I say almost nothing. My contribution might be
just a nod or smile as I acknowledge someone and then look
at someone else who I see has something to add. I become
more like a focus group moderator. The less I say as a leader
the better. The team generates the ideas and I'm just there
to keep the ball rolling.
Another key principle of both improv and innovation is
that MISTAKES ARE GOOD. In the innovation field, you have
to take chances. One of my favorite quotes is โFail early. Fail
often.โ There's no reason to shut anything down at the idea
stage. The philosophy of successful companies is, โLet's try
it, but let's try it fast. If it's not the right idea, we can
quickly move on from that idea to something else.โ To have
an innovative culture, you have to encourage people to take
chances.
That's one thing I've enjoyed being able to do with my
team at the college. We say, โLet's try it and see how it
works. Let's invest two days in this. Let's have one of these
boot camps. Let's try it this way and let's learn from it.โ
Take a risk, exchange ideas, contribute in ways that
make your fellow collaborators look good, try something
new, be creative, make mistakes, engage life and have fun
along the way. Let the dance of collaboration move you.
43
30. "Serious play is not
an oxymoron; it is the
essence of innovation."
~ Michael Schrage
44
31. About the Author
Rob Duncan
www.RobDuncan.com
Speaker, author, actor, thought leader,
manager and college teacher โ Rob Duncan
has done it all. Robโs career spans several
decades as a management consultant, college teacher, senior
manager and professional speaker. Duncan holds a BA in
Economics, an MBA and has just completed a Doctorate in
Business Leadership in the area of social networking and
collaborative innovation.
Rob is the author of the books โHaul Away! Teambuilding
Lessons from a Voyage around Cape Hornโ and โCompetitive
Intelligence: Fast, Cheap and Ethicalโ, which was selected as
one of the best business books of 2008.
Whether describing his adventures in teambuilding
gleaned from sailing on a tall ship around Cape Horn in
forty-foot seas, or imparting timely and actionable information
that audiences can immediately put to use, Rob has been
delighting speaking audiences the world over, from Beijing
to Chennai, from Orlando to Whistler.
Drawing on his professional theatre training, Rob is a
genuine and enthusiastic speaker who leaves the crowd
stimulated, thoughtful and entertained.
For your next event, contact Rob for a speaking experience
that will leave your troops inspired, uplifted and informed!
Contact Rob:
www.RobDuncan.com
98