5 Ways Improv Can Help You Become a Better Team Member

1. Lead, follow, lead, follow, lead, lead

Everyone has something to offer. Aim to share the leadership. It doesn’t have to be exactly equal but if it’s all you, or never you, it needs to change. Lean in and listen. Self-facilitate. Find ways to agree and build on each other’s ideas.

2. Embrace Uncertainty

Become comfortable with a bit of uncertainty (sometimes a lot!). Try not to over-plan. Allow yourself and your team some space for exploration and mistakes. It will challenge you to build the muscles you need to overcome problems and barriers.

3. Be present and listen as if your life depends on it

Make eye contact and show physical signs of engagement with the conversation. Do what you can to encourage collaboration and flow with the team.

4. Make each other look good

Refer to great ideas other people have shared or smart things they’ve said. Find ways to connect and collaborate.

5. Trust each other, or forget about it

Trust is the foundation. Without it, you will second guess yourself and each other. You will question motives, actions, meanings, decisions — everything.

These are some of the basic principles of improvisation — there is a lot more to be gained by delving deeper. If you’d like someone to guide you on that journey, please email me: info@agileimprov.com