BraveSpace Improv for Professionals
Winter Session 2021
If Change Is The New Normal, Then Improvisation Is The New Skill To Master
First off, thank you ALL for being vulnerable and putting yourselves out there for something of an unorthodox learning experience. I have compiled some takeaways for you here. The goal is to provide ways to continue the learning, because this kind of learning and behavior change requires PRACTICE. We spent a lot of time discovering the power of applying improv skills to your work and life, so let’s not lose anything, but instead keep building on it.
Recap
Reinforcements to keep up the Practice
Other Recommendations
Let’s connect/follow me on LinkedIn. I put a lot of stock into growing my network, sharing knowledge and would love to have you there. (all the other fancy social links are at the bottom of the page for easy access) Feel free to reach out to me for any referrals to places in Atlanta or beyond where you can continue to learn and practice. kristy@bravespacebiz.com
1. Session Recap
Session Objectives:
How can we help each other navigate Change in a dispersed, digital and diverse landscape?
Putting in the time and work to communicate more effectively makes a difference
Finding your voice, getting out of your own way, embracing failure
Supporting each other through change is within our power, preventing change from happening is not.
Improv Anchors:
Being Present, Aware, In the Moment
Adaptability, Pivoting, Being Others Focused
Empathy, Adjusting to the needs of the room, Vulnerability
Listening for Meaning-How the other person feels.
Here’s what we learned:
Taking care of each other "Making each other look good and insanely smart"! Improvisers learn quickly that in order to take creative risks and collaborate at the levels needed to create improv on the stage, you must become each other’s caretaker. We support and take care of each other so there is no worry of failing or looking silly. What if we all encouraged and supported each other this way at work?
Change is inevitable in today’s ever evolving complex world and what is within our control is how we react to it and treat each other in the critical moments. When we “get each other’s back” change can be easier to navigate, we have a support system.
Adaptability and Resilience Our brains develop patterns quickly and how even minor changes in patterns can feel disruptive. Habits are powerful and playing games that purposely disrupt patterns can increases mental agility and psychological adaptability. These are essential for doing improv but even more important to a successful life in which we will have to navigate change that we do not see coming.
Change is uncomfortable We hesitate to make a move because we are scared of the outcome. We dismiss the first thing in most cases because we do not want to get it wrong or look silly. No one is saying you should not prepare or think it over, however, there are time in today’s world when there just isn’t time to mull it over. The ability to jump in without hesitation in the moments it serves us can be a game changer.
Developing Leaders in a VUCA environment white paper.
2-Practicing Reinforcements
Take more improv classes, it’s the gym for your social skills and strengthening those muscles will allow you to more easily access them in the moments that matter in your work and life.
Books to Read:
Blogs by Kristy about all things Improv and Learning.
And if you really wanna go nuts, I’m a bit of a collector….
https://bondstreet.com/blog/5-companies-survived-brink-death/
https://www.bts.com/blog-article/business-insight/embrace-vuca
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10157-resilience-adaptability-business-success.html
I adore this video on Change and its Impact on Creativity