While there may be times at work to create, solve a problem or build something with someone you know well and have a bonded with. The will be other times, you may not know your co-worker, but the work still needs to get done. Either way, the ability to collaborate on the fly, bridges the gap between the speed of change in workplaces today and the organizational culture needed to support it.
Read MoreThe need for “teaming” today is greater than ever and linking together the “on the fly” nature of improv with the “collaboration mindset” we now have a way to practice it. For me, this is like uncovering a new exercise that isolates a muscle I need to tone but didn’t know how.
Read MoreWe learn very early in life that the strongest survive. We know that building a house of straw or sticks isn’t the smartest plan. The solid choice is brick, carefully placed one by one and bound together by a strong adhesive. It might take longer and the work is tedious, but the end result will stand strong and weather the storms (or a hungry wolf).
Read MoreOne of my early improv coaches had a philosophy and it was “Don’t be a - D _ _ _!" (rhymes with tick) Basically, don’t be mean and remember to leave your ego at the door because improv has no place for it. The art form is purely about being selfless, inclusive, and kind. Maybe it’s one of the reasons I latched on so passionately. I viewed it as more of a code I wanted to not only practice on stage but to live by as well. I had found something that was not only artistically satisfying, but that could also set the tone for how people should strive to be as humans.
Read MoreMy Mom has always told me that when I was a little girl, I liked to clean up messes. I guess this was odd to her, because most kids did not enjoy this task. She said she noticed this about me early on when I helped her with at her home daycare wiping faces and changing diapers, all with a big smile on my face. She asked me why I liked cleaning things up so much and I said to her, “Because I like to see something go from messy to clean”. This trend continued throughout my life, even through my work. There is nothing more satisfying than transformation for the better or taking a challenging situation and helping make it less challenging.
Read MoreDuring my years working in the staffing industry, questions about a company’s culture came up a lot. Staffing companies play an important role as the liaison between prospective candidates and the company doing the hiring. A company’s culture is a critical piece in enticing talent to want to work at a particular company. I was always amazed at how many companies undervalued their culture.
Read MoreWhen I left the corporate world, I took with me experiences of working in a variety of cultures and environments. I know firsthand how fear in a work environment can strip you of all creativity and innovation. I can relate to the timid faces of coworkers in a staff meeting scared to say anything for fear of being shot down or dismissed.
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