I was at a birthday party last night and met a guy. He’s a very successful business man responsible for many start-ups. He was recently at a conference where an executive from Google was being interviewed or spoke (I don’t remember the details). Supposedly, Google decision makers take part in improv classes.
Why?
The brainstorming process says, “that’s a good idea, but…”
Improvisation says, “that’s a good idea, and…”
So, I don’t know exactly what that means yet, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Here’s what I’m thinking. Many ideas in the brainstorming process only make it to the white board. Although it’s an incredibly collaborative process where ideas birth new ideas, usually only a few make it into reality. What I see in my head and what gets written on the board aren’t always the same thing. However, in improvisational action, ideas take shape, ideas are alive and moving and other decision makers jump in, add their parts and help the idea evolve.
Intriguing concept for sure? What does this look like in reality? I have no idea?
Any thoughts on how this might be applied in a practical sense?
I never thought of it that way! I like the analogy of it being an improv rather than brainstorming. Improv builds upon the ideas put out and there is more synergy and excitement and call for involvement. It’s not necessarily about throwing out a new idea but about working with the idea at hand and putting new twists and turns on it… taking an idea and turning it around to see all the facets of it! Wow… this makes me more excited to get a planning meeting going!!!
Henry Zonios last blog post..Pink? Blue? What to Do?
I’ve been doing improv theater for over five years now. There are a ton of skills that translate really well into teams. Improv requires a huge amount of group-mind. The goal is to make all those around you look brilliant. No time for trying to be funny; that comes with it.
You should check out Improv Wisdom. Great book. http://www.improvwisdom.com/
I love this… I attended a simulcast last week where I heard something similar about Goole… challenging to think that so often we take ideas and say “that’s good, but…” What would our ministries look like if we truly allowed ourselves, our teams around us, even our volunteers to DREAM! Dream without bouandries…
princessjess last blog post..THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!!
Practically, brainstorming is great when looking for divergent, outside-the-box and creative ideas. Improv is great for taking ideas, any ideas, and deepening, expanding, and developing them in a supportive “yes, and” environment. The technique is called “explore and heighten.” To put these two concepts together is a blast.
1. Identify the topic to be explored with the group. Make sure it is clear and understood by everyone..
2. Create the space for creative thinking, invite people to have fun and be a little wacky, let go of “practical” and “realistic” for the time being
3. List all ideas, if people are stuck in a theme invite them to expand their focus and risk
4. Pick 3 ideas that the group would like to look at more deeply.
5. One at a time “explore and heighten” each of the ideas and see what emerges. Using the “yes, and” approach can be fun and challenging.
6. Create actionable steps that can be taken based on these explored ideas.
7. Set up a timeline and action plan with those who commit to the idea/project.
Hope this was helpful, or at least sparks your own thoughts on the matter!
Wendy Balmans last blog post..rules, and how to rule them
It’s a great analogy and the use of Improv will definately improve your Brainstorming sessions. Having a background in theatre, one of the benefits you quickly develop in Improv is an improved level of trust and camaraderie. Improv pushes the team to look at “What if” and “Yes, we can.” Take a look at this article on the steps to Brainstorming article
Looking up,
Keith
Keith Tusings last blog post..The 4 C’s of Children’s Ministry Leadership – Part 2