Organisations are made up of people. Human, embodied, physical, spirited, flawed beings, who are often exhorted to be efficient (machines), professional (unfeeling), endorse corporate standards (don’t think for yourself) AND be innovative, responsive and forward looking.
When you bring people fully into the workplace with all their passion you start to build the balance sheet on the innovation side. The way people work becomes more energetic and collaborative.
We use techniques borrowed from improvisation for theatre to break down barriers and unlock hidden potential. If you have ever seen great improvisation it looks like an amazing gift, but just like any other kind of performance, improvisers develop their skills through exercise and practice.
It’s not magic, it is not ‘oogey-boogey’: it is a suite of specific activities designed to develop presence of mind, make other people look good and deliver fantastic results. The critical skills of the improviser include heightened listening, letting go, having a go, trust and participation.
References:
Johnstone, Keith (1979) Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre. Routledge Theatre Arts Books, New York
Gesell, Izzy. Playing Along.: 37 Group Learning Activities Borrowed from Improvisational Theatre Whole Person Associates, Michigan.