What is Improv?
The word improvise is generally defined as “to create or perform spontaneously or without preparation.” You may have seen “improv” used as a form of entertainment, but improv can also be used to advance collaboration and creativity. Your team will enjoy working together, but the true value is in engaging all participants to bring forth ideas in a supportive environment.
Although unscripted, improvisational techniques follow one basic rule: the “Yes, And…” principle where participants are asked to accept information and then add to it.
Encourages:
- Active engagement in exercises.
- Careful listening so that participants build on each other’s input.
- Drawing out top-of-mind ideas.
- Withholding of judgment on all concepts, no matter how wild they seem.
- An atmosphere of respect that celebrates the free expression of ideas.
- Having fun! Although the goal is not comedic effect, laughter is often a side effect.
In short, it is far more productive to look for ways to agree and help each other succeed.
Sheer Strategy excites and motivates your team by involving them in a process that employs custom improvisational and exploratory exercises. Our creative method foster’s each person’s full participation and draws out important strategic ideas where stakeholders build on each other’s input to get results. Working together vests your team in the outcome and builds community, connections, and consensus.
“Disagreement does far more damage than just creating drama. It delays ACTION! When performers (or people) argue, they are only preventing something more interesting from happening.”
Charna Halpern
“At its heart, improv is essentially about trust and respect. The best way to look good is to make your fellow players look good. Treat others as if they are poets, geniuses and artists…and they will be!”
Del Close
“We are at our best when we’re being honest, and in the moment together. Comedy, like life, often isn’t pretty. But, when we let go and trust one another, frightening though it may be, what results can often be magical.”
Steve Martin
