“Improvisational theatre, often called improvisation or improv, is a form of theatre, often comedy, in which most or all of what is performed is unplanned or unscripted: created spontaneously by the performers.”
When I watched “Middleditch & Schwartz” on Netflix, my entire being came into existence with flush energy. I could see why that happened. The show possibly epically challenged my control-freakiness. I found the unplanned acts almost infuriatingly enjoyable! There was little to no place where boredom hit me. I was entirely on alert mode, trying to predict where these two comedic geniuses would take me in their superbly spontaneous story-telling. To those who haven’t watched it yet, please do. It’s time to replenish your energy levels!
Watching these three episodes, I started thinking about the importance of improvising and going with the flow in my work life. Not everything needs to be planned. Not everything needs careful assessment.
Here are ten key takeaways from watching the improv that I can apply at work and so can you.
1. If I am working on a side project, I could very well take up what I enjoy, without having to struggle for something that will come in time.
2. In a brainstorming session, I will bring my past learnings with me, and I will allow myself to expose those experiences to convey my thoughts.
3. I will listen to what someone says, with an intent to progress.
4. If a colleague tells me a stupid idea, I will think of infinite ways to transform that idea into a better one. Any stupid idea can lead to a surprisingly better solution.
5. If we lose track, I will remind my work buddy of what we are trying to build. I will laugh it off with him but stay on course.
6. I will gently nudge and offer paths to new possibilities that could result in different, slightly better outcomes.
7. I will introduce new elements as constraints to get out of my comfort zone in my creative process, as they make the story much more captivating and interesting.
8. I will utilize as much space that’s available to communicate the dramatic importance of what’s at work. Different spaces imply different constraints and advantages.
9. I will make sure of a prominent closure where it feels like an appropriate ending but could still be improvised if necessary. The key is to understand that every project requires a destination to travel to.
10. I will celebrate the small human moments (mistakes and glory) and ultimately have fun in the process, keeping negativity out.
That’s it! Let me know your favorite episode of the three. Mine you ask? (The third one - “Dream job”. The other two were brilliant as well, but this one stood out to me. This has Gazelles, my friend. :))
Until next time.