How Improv Helps Your Career
A few weeks ago I wrote about my desire to improve my communication skills before I begin business school this fall. One part of that process has been taking improvisational comedy (improv) classes. While only halfway through the ten week course — taught by Huge Theater in Minneapolis, MN — I’ve already seen several applications of how improv can help one’s career.
Specifically, three concepts stand out: Listen, And, Fail (LAF). Listen is first for a reason, not just because it facilitates a pun, but because doing so is the easiest way to succeed during a scene. Focusing on what and how your scene partner is interacting with you is necessary to build something great together. Similarly, in the workplace it’s important to focus on why and how your coworker is communicating with you.
Especially in today’s global business environment, paying attention to the entirety of a coworker’s message is essential so that nothing is lost in translation. This point transitions nicely into the second way improv can help your career: And. A modification of the famous improv phrase, “yes and,” this concept reminds you to always respond in a way that advances the scene.
For example, if your partner says they’re going to the grocery store, you might respond by saying that you need to do so, as well, because you’re hosting a dinner party later that night. A simple choice that gives your partner something to build off of. At work, this concept is valuable because it emphasizes the importance of reacting to coworkers in a way that advances your shared objectives.
For example, if someone offers an idea during a meeting, accepting what he or she said and then adding to it can be a great way to open your eyes to the brilliant insights of those around you. It can also help you say “no” politely. Even if after thinking about his or her suggestion you still disagree with it, “yes and” reminds you to choose a negative response that will still advance the group’s goals.
Improv also helps you become more comfortable with failure. Tension, taking risks, and outlandish situations are when scenes are the most fun — to both the audience and those on stage. Particularly for someone who’s been in a role for a long time, it’s easy to become complacent at work. The lessons of improv prod you to ask why, seek continuous improvement, and add value to even your most basic job functions.
If any of the above seem potentially beneficial to your career, I’d encourage you to try improv. Start by attending a live show and if you like what you see, sign-up for a preview class. I can’t speak for the improv scene in your city, but in Minneapolis, MN, my friends and I have had good experiences at Huge Theater, ComedySportz, and the Brave New Workshop. Good luck and remember to always “LAF” at work.
