August 9, 2014
Have you ever been to an improv comedy show? If you have, you’ve probably walked away from it amazed at how quickly the actors can think on their feet and work off of each other. Well, guess what? Comedy shows aren’t the only place that being able to improvise is a necessity.
Improv may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the workplace and skills associated with being a well rounded and productive employee. But surprisingly, many of the skills that you can take away from improv can be directly correlated with having a productive work environment and meaningful relationships with colleagues.
Here are the 3 major reasons why you need improv skills in order to succeed within the work environment:
1. Improv helps you stay present and focused.
Being able to improvise means being able to pick up on cues and hints quickly. You need to be able to take what’s given to you and run with it. In order to effectively communicate, you must be able to understand your colleagues. With improv training, you’ll learn how to stay focused under pressure and make quick decisions – both vital parts of a productive work ethic.
2. It allows you to better retain information and sharpen listening.
One of the most important parts of improvisation is being able to contribute to the flow of a scene. If you aren’t listening to the others in the scene with you, then you won’t know how to respond appropriately. In the workplace, the same rules apply – if you aren’t attentive, you won’t be able to follow instruction or pick up where others left off. Improv teaches you how to use listening as a vital tool.
3. It forces you out of your comfort zone.
You’re not always going to be able to stay neutral and comfortable at work, or generally in life. Being able to adapt to the unexpected and unknown is an important skill to have. With improv training, you’ll learn to take calculated risks and assess every new situation that’s thrown at you. Improv comedy thrives on the unknown and unexpected – that’s what makes it so funny! Taking what you’re given, no matter if you’re comfortable with it or not, and being able to work with what you have is the key to success.
Improv skills are skills for life! Check out our Applied Improv program if you’re looking to learn more about how your team can benefit from an improv comedy workshop.
