Add a Little Improv to Your Life pt 2
The rules of improv are obviously very helpful when it comes to being on a stage and trying to make people laugh, but they can also be very helpful in our everyday lives. Improv relies on teamwork, adaptability and creativity, and that translates pretty well to our work and personal lives.
Previously, I discussed how beneficial the first rule, don’t deny, can be. When we deny someone by saying no or cutting off the conversation, we are shutting down our partner, shutting down the communication and shutting down the flow of ideas.
The next rule of improv is you don’t have to be funny. When I think of this rule in terms of our lives, I think more broadly than the specific need to be funny. This rule refers to the misconception that if you’re doing improv, you have to be funny and say funny things. If you are trying to be funny, the audience can tell. It usually comes off as cheesy, insincere or forced. What makes for the best improv and comedy is realness.
Think back to the last time you laughed during a stand-up routine, an improv show or even during a conversation with your friend; I bet the thought “that’s so true!” crossed your mind at some point. The funniest bits are usually about the regular things we all experience in our lives. Real, genuine, authenticity.
Being your genuine, authentic self is vital to operating at your highest level. When you are yourself, you share all of your gifts with those around you; those gifts could look like creativity, asking questions, speaking up, supporting, debating, experimenting, day dreaming etc. But, being your genuine, authentic self is much easier said than done. It takes a lot of vulnerability and trust to be that real — and we need to feel safe before we can be vulnerable. So the first step in following this rule, is to build a safe and trusting environment.
A former student of mine opened my eyes to the habit we have of declaring something a “safe space”. When we declare “this is a safe space”, we are being as effective as Michael declaring bankruptcy in an episode of The Office.
We need to bring the team, family or group together and discuss what we each need to feel safe and supported in the space. Each voice needs to be represented, acknowledged and appreciated. Once that conversation takes place, it then needs to be documented and made available to all. This document should be just as important as your motto, goal or value statement because you need everyone to feel safe and supported in order to reach your goals or achieve your values.
It takes a lot of work to set your team up for success, and this is all in addition to the actual work of your business! But once you put the focus on creating a safe space FOR ALL, the ideas and collaboration will start flowing freely. People who feel safe and supported will speak up more, engage in helpful debates and produce exciting ideas. They will be their genuine, authentic selves — and that is just the best.
In the next article I’ll introduce the rule, you can look good if you make your partner look good.
