In March of 2014, I ventured out of my comfortable little hole and found myself in one of the best life decisions I’ve ever made: I took an improv class.
Now, I live in Pittsburgh. It’s definitely no Chicago or L.A., but my theater and my people have taught me some of the most important lessons in life! I’ve learned more about laughter and fun, kindness and relationships, and accepting myself, flaws and all, than ever before. And these lessons are easily transferable into the business world; in fact, I live by them everyday!
So I am sharing the three most important business lessons I’ve learned from the improv world!
Say “yes and”:
This means not only agreeing, but adding to the agreement. In the business world, to me this means that I can take on a project and I can add my own flair and style to it. It means I agree with what my client needs and I help create something additional to make it even better. Saying “yes” is about getting that initial idea off the ground. Saying “yes and” means creating something beautiful together.
Listen More Than You Talk
In the business world, people are all about talk. They can do this, they can do that, this product is the best, and this one is EVEN BETTER. But you know what most people don’t do in this world of chatter? Listen. It is so important to listen to what is being said. To really understand and connect with the words, the ideas, and the vision. By making the choice to listen more, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to really understand that project or client. Plus, the act of listening will help improve even the most basic relationships!
Take Risks
Taking a risk means being bold. It means going with your own idea that may seem a bit out there, or a bit wild. It means reaching out to someone that you’d like to do business with and taking the chance that you’ll hear the word “no”. In business, this doesn’t mean you should spend your money frivolously, or make huge business decisions without a lot of thought. On the contrary, being risky is about allowing yourself to be vulnerable and open with not only your clients, but yourself. Too many people get too closed off - open up those doors and take a chance!
Bonus: be honest
When you're doing improv, being honest in a situation is bound to make any scene more enjoyable. It can mean that your character really doesn’t like listening to music or maybe eats nothing but cake three times a day. Whatever it is, fully committing to and playing that character makes the scene better for the actor and the audience. Being honest in the business world makes things better, too. When you’re honest about your limitations, the work you enjoy, etc., you will find yourself spending more time doing things you love, and focusing on improving your strengths. You’ll attract the clients you want to work with, and will be able to say “no” to those who will just bring you stress. No matter what happens, you are responsible for your own honesty. Speak YOUR truth, and let the responsibility for everyone else’s reactions lie with them.
Take some time today to think about incorporating these lessons into your everyday business life. Are you about to take a leap and say “yes and” to a project? Are you going to take a risk by venturing out into business on your own? We’d love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments or with the hashtag #PMVAatWork on Twitter - we’d love to encourage you!
