"We held an annual dinner for the top-level people
from all our locations and this year BossaNova's
improv workshop was the first part of the evening. I
don't think I've ever laughed so much at a work
function in my 20-year career. But more than that,
everyone participated. It was teamwork in action,
and teamwork is the cornerstone of our business. At
dinner afterwards, there was no awkward small talk;
we all had a way to connect with each other like
never before"—Peggy W., Director, christopher
consultants, ltd.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT IMPROV
Most recently The
New York Times focused a story how improvisational
comedy can create more cohesive workplaces and
foment instant creativity:
“ The openness and playfulness that characterize
improvisational acting can create a sense of
cooperation and affirmation that is foreign to
highly competitive workplaces. When one worker
actively shoots down another’s ideas to help his or
her own ideas win, nascent notions that could
develop into something brilliant die on the vine”
(“Can
Executives Learn to Ignore the Script?” The New York
Times, March 2, 2008)
Says The Washington
Post :
“Improvisational comedy is ridiculous, profound and
humbling all at the same time… What you learn in
improv spills over into the rest of your day-to-day
experience.” (“Toss
Them A Line; Pros Make Improv Look Easy, but Novices
Are Ad-Libbing Dangerously,” March 16, 2004)
Is improv good for business professionals? Legal
Times thinks so:
“To some it might seem [Shawn Westfall is]
attempting the impossible: teaching a group of
professionals trained to be risk averse to take the
plunge into spontaneity in front of an audience
looking for laughs. As improbable as it sounds, the
effort seems to be working” (“Lawyer Walks Into a
Comedy Club: But can Shawn Westfall teach legal
types how to get laughs?” – Legal Times, Sept. 24,
2007).
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“Our consultants are still raving about the improv comedy workshops we hosted with BossaNova – many, many months later. Amidst all the laughter, our consultants really learned how to think on their feet, which is a critical skill in our business” – Director of Training and Development
Being an extraordinary improv-er and an extraordinary
consultant are one in the same. In either role, you have to:
Deal with the unexpected
Remove barriers between people—teammates,
divisions, work groups
Listen, listen, listen
Collaborate (for real)
Get out of “analysis paralysis”
Trust your clients and colleagues
Check your ego at the door
Make your clients look good.
Which ones are most relevant for your business right now? BossaNova will construct an improv workshop to meet your specific needs.
Improvise With Us!
Want to make improv a truly
extraordinary experience for your company? Invite your clients to
join in on the fun.
