Yesterday afternoon I got the chance to work with a group on Creativity. Spending Friday afternoon learning tools and methods for idea generation and evaluation. Seems like heavy lifting for late in the week. One of the concepts I discussed was the idea of adding Improv into the workplace. 

Using Improv in our daily lives to improve can be as easy as a set up to a very skilled comedian.  I find the more I can practice the skills of saying, “Yes, and” the better off I am of being more creative and productive in life.  Adding the every popular, “Yes, and” vs. the “Yeah, BUT.”  But stops the story every time. It doesn’t allow for idea generation or creativity. 

Here’s how you start:

Suspend your judgment.  

Easier said than done?  Not really if you are focused on truly listening to what is being said.  

Approach the conversation with a “build on” attitude.  

New ideas start with just a single thought, great ideas take that down the road a bit and build on it.  

Don’t let it end.  

Open yourself and your language up to discovering multiple options and possibilities.  Practice by saying, “Yes, and!” Catch yourself – or just note when others blurt out – “but.” 

Take it further now:

• What in your life can benefit from a little Improv? 
• Where have you said, “Yeah, but” in your life? 
• What would be the benefit of giving this a little “Yes, and” approach the next time around?
• What new things could you discover if you let yourself?