Bentley University
Live from FEI 2013: Applied Improv for Leaders: Principles and Practices for Innovative Leadership
In a packed breakout session, Michelle James led attendees in an applied innovation workshop. In case you were unable to join the workshop, or were too busy to take notes, here is a run down on how to apply Improv techniques to innovation:
- Warm-up to break your pattern. Do a handshake without letting go until you're both shaking hands with someone else as well. This exercise helps to wake you up and helps you get comfortable being uncomfortable.
- Practice "Yes, and..."Find a partner and pretend you're on an amazing trip to Mexico. The first person opens with a sentence to start the story. The second person must say, "Yes, and" then add to the story. By listening to your partner and building, the ideas become generative and focused. "Yes, and" expands the playing field for ideas (Note: Orin goes on great vacations!).
- Try "Random Word Generator" where one person chooses a topic and the other person starts telling a story based on that topic. The person who chose the topic, then throws in random words that the storyteller needs to incorporate. This exercise takes "high stakes listening," justifying, building trust, and lots of practice in adapting.
- Co-create a "Living Being" by taking turns drawing one line at a time. Once you're done creating your Living Being, name him/her by taking turns writing down one letter at a time until a name emerges. (BTW, we named our Living Being "Sidney Taken" - see photo). Because you're taking turns leading and following, it helps with leadership skills and being open to collaboration.
Improv and generative thinking takes co-creation.
Alicia Arnold holds a Master of Science in Creativity, Innovation and Change Leadership from the International Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State College and an M.B.A in Marketing from Bentley University. She enjoys writing about creativity and innovation and is published with Bloomberg Businessweek, the Huffington Post, The National Association of Gifted Children, and iMedia Connection. In her role as an award winning, digital marketer, she uses her passion for creativity and innovation to develop breakthrough digital and social experiences. You can connect with Alicia on Twitter @alicarnold.