This Week’s Question for Ask the Coach:
In many ways leaders need to learn how to act. What can leaders learn from actors?
My friend Cindy Ventrice is doing some fascinating work in using improv techniques to help leaders do a better job in providing recognition to their employees. I love how her work directly connects to what I teach so I’ve asked her to answer this question:
The acting technique that I found has the most potential for leadership development is improvisational theater. I have used improv to help leaders learn to:
• Listen more respectfully
• Pick up on subtle cues
• Demonstrate trust
• Value opinions
The power of improv comes from the instant feedback that the games provide. You can quickly see what habits you need to break, have the opportunity to practice new skills while receiving continuous reinforcement, and have fun at the same time.
To demonstrate how improv builds leadership skills let’s look at a few principles of improv:
Say “Yes, And”
Leaders often need help breaking the “no, but” habit. A basic principle of improv is to accept all offers. There are a number of improv games that teach this principle and in the process demonstrate that people are more energized and engaged by leaders that say “Yes, and.”
Make Each Other Look Good
Great improvisers can bring an audience member on stage and have that person leave the stage feeling like a brilliant improviser. That is the “make each other look good” principle in action. Improv is a true collaborative activity. Success isn’t measured by how brilliant you look, but how well you support the efforts of others. You don’t have to worry about your success: the rest of the group is doing that for you!
Take A Back Seat
Many beginning improvisers try to control the scene. They are referred to as “drivers.” They are adding too much value and not leaving enough room for others. They aren’t trusting that others can make them look good. Great improv, like great leadership, requires the willingness to take a back seat and let others drive.
These are just a few examples of the improv/recognition connection. The lessons that improv teaches introduce and reinforce many of the behaviors that make great leaders.
Cindy Ventrice is the author of Make Their Day! Employee Recognition That Works. You can visit her website at www.maketheirday.com.