Improvisation for Leaders

Using the Art and Practice of Improvisational Theater to be effective
Leaders as Public and Elected Officials.

 
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
                                             Albert Einstein

In order to effectively lead a local, state or federal government, elected and public officials must be able to listen organically, navigate change wisely, and be flexible in creative problem solving.

Listening is about really taking in what is said in a proactive and responsive way.
Change is about pattern breaking, and learning from moment to moment. To be able to effectively lead, we must be able to creatively use our imaginations. 

Today's governing environment requires elected and appointed leaders to open up to new ideas, gain flexibility in thought, take risks where possible, and be willing to work successfully in ambiguous and often uncertain situations.

These are skills that well-trained improvisers gain through improv workshops. Successful elected officials and improvisers both have to make in the moment decisions, respond creatively to ever-changing information, work to make others on their team look good, and see things from many diverse perspectives. They need to create, synthisize and innovate. Elected leaders need to make relevant connections with constiutents, co-leaders, managment employees -----and seek out the good of their entire community.

"Creativity can solve almost any problem. The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality overcomes everything."
                                     George Lois

Improv-based learning helps people break patterns in order to influence, adapt and respond in new ways. It helps people feel comfortable with using their own inventiveness, putting ideas out there, taking more risks, and tolerating mistakes. Improv takes us out of our habitual interactions delivers us back into the moment where more possibilities open up. We let go of controls and the linear/rational-only mindsets that otherwise inhibit our inner creative leadership ability. By doing the unconventional and the unexpected, we access insights, intuitive thoughts and ideas we would not otherwise experience.
                        

Who should attend Improvisation for Leaders?

Community Leaders, Public Officials, Elected Leaders, Mayors, Senators, Congressmen,  Assemblymen, Commissioners, Team Leaders, Council members, Committee members, Selectmen----

If you're elected or appointed to a position in your local governing body or neighborhood community, this is the workshop for you!  No prior improvisation experience is required.

What does Improvisation for Leaders focus on?

In this workshop you will use the principles, practices and tools of improvisational theater to enhance your leadership performance and experience real-time transformation. You will explore and experience:

• Getting past the “inner critic”, and listening to your "inner wisdom". Recognizing your potential as a leader in your community, with your legislative organization and with your constituency.

• Risk taking – and the benefits of thinking outside the box.

• Re-Learning why "All Politics is Local"; Learn to enhance to the ideas of others.

• Learning how to use mistakes productively and effectively for enhanced decision making.

• Overcoming political resistance, transforming barriers into aids for creative thinking.

• Re-generative thinking - going from the dichotomous "either/or" to the more organic and inclusive "both/and" cognitive problem solving.

•  Never politically 'spin' again: Narrative story-telling---The positve benefits and use of story-telling from the heart, guided by your head.

What are the benefits and rewards for elected officials?

Improvisational skills help enhance performance and awareness in core leadership competencies such as:

• Presence and being fully in the moment: Active listening to the community, and paying attention, and listening to all others individually.

• Being in the moment and thinking on your feet - ability to respond confidently and intelligently in the moment while under pressure, in every environment.

•Gaining the edge by adapting- adapting strategy as new information and situations emerge

• Inspiration - drawing forth the energy, passion, and assets in others in the community, moving from being a jaded professional, to a passionate individual.

• Creativity - new and wonderful solutions to old challenges; tried and true solutions to new problems and concerns.

• Resourcefulness - recognizing and using the unexpected as opportunity

• Flexibility – bouncing back quickly after “policy failures” or dead ends.

• Impactfulness - engaging risk taking and spontaneous behaviors from others, and having a positive impact.

• Influence - creating the foundation for others to support your plans, getting elbows around you.

• Taking successful action - apply improvisation to improve policy ideas, and community group projects.

If you are a lawyer, try Improv for Lawyers.

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