“Yes And”-ing to Success

A few months back I took a course that I think everyone else should take at least once to increase workplace success: improv. I can feel you rolling your eyes through the computer, and quite frankly if I were reading this, I would roll my eyes too. But no joke, taking even just one improv class can teach you principles and techniques that you are able to take back to your day-to-day job for increased success.

You’re probably wondering what you could possibly learn in an improv class that could be useful in a workplace environment. I learned how to react if I am standing on stage alone and someone tells me that I am driving a car on the side of a Peruvian cliff and suddenly there is a Peacock in the middle of the road. While that actually did happen, in class we learned a number of steps to be able to react in the moment and not be overwhelmed and fall off the proverbial cliff. Upon reflecting on the lessons I was taught to help make people laugh, I realized I can actually utilize these ideas in my everyday life and especially during work. Using the rules of improv from David Alger (www.pantheater.com/rules-of-improv.html), I will outline all the steps on how to “yes and” your way to success.

Yes and…

Shocking! The number one rule of improv is saying “yes and”. This is the first thing people think of when they think of improv. Prior to taking this class I also thought this phrase was a cliche, something said in tv shows and movies. To my surprise I was shocked to find out it is actually a rule that is heavily followed throughout the improv process. Not only have I learned to apply this principle in my work life, but all other aspects of my life as well. Learning to say “yes and” helps you adapt to any scenario. Saying yes to something is the first step of the creative process. Every other piece of the puzzle, or product in this case, will be worked out later. “Yes and” is the entry way into creation and everything else will be sorted out after.

Add new information

After saying yes, the process will not advance unless new information is added. In improv this is the step where you would look at the who, what, where, and when. In work, I take this to think about the target audience, objective, platform, and timeline. I use this step to flesh out the ideas and create a concrete plan of action.

Don’t block

Never say no. In a work-sense, when new ideas are pitched, it is easy to turn them down due to resourcing, bandwidth, and thinking they are too outside the box. Explore everything and then make a decision. Some of the best work I have done has been based on ideas that I initially did not think would work out. I have come to learn that exploring a concept that you initially were not on board with can actually lead to some of the most innovative and exciting projects.

Avoid asking questions unless you’re also adding information

Alger describes this step as “Another form of blocking is asking questions. Questions force our partners to fill in the information or do the work. it is a way of avoiding committing to a choice or a detail”. I think of this as a step to encourage ownership and authority over the space in which you work. This is not to say that asking questions compromises individuality, it is a reminder to think about the questions to ask your colleagues before you do so. As I am just starting out in my career, I make sure that when I have questions, they are productive in achieving my objectives.

Play in the present and use the moment

There is always an abundance of work to be done and active projects that are being worked on. I look at all my work retrospectively and see how different features relate to one another. Once I figured out how every aspect is related, I hone in on each piece individually and work to achieve what is necessary in that specific moment and try to not cloud my mind with all the other tasks that will need to be completed.

Establish the location

In improv, establishing the location is meant literally. The scenes are not meant to take place on stage, so one of the actors needs to establish this so the audience is aware. I interpret this in my work as a way to explain the platform in which we will be creating this product for users. Whether it is making in-app changes, sending out a newsletter, or figuring out where entirely new features will live, establishing the location from the start will help provide a clear course of action.

Be specific and provide colorful details

Details are the backbone of a successful plan. In order to get your work completed quickly, thoroughly, and effectively, you must look at the work from a high-level perspective and then outline every aspect needed for completion. Sometimes the outlining process might even spark new ideas and improvements to achieve the greatest outcome.

Change, change, change

While improv focuses on character change and development, we can use this step to disrupt. Figure out how you can work to create high impact. Think of the IPhone as an example of this. Since it was the first of its kind, we did not have the need for it as nothing like it had ever existed before. When deciding what to dedicate your time to, have change in the forefront of your mind.

Focus on character and relationships

To achieve a growth mindset, it is imperative to always prioritize user needs. We create to address user needs and ensure products are accessible for anyone to use with ease and comfort. Human behavior and interaction with your product is always at the forefront of the ideation and creative processes. First figure out who is the target audience and how they currently interact with your product. Then think ahead — what might they want or need and even address the wants and needs that they are not even aware of.

Take choice and focus on actions/objects

Alger explains “A good long form set is balanced”. Decisiveness is key when it comes to focusing on the target audience, problem being solved, and path to completion.

While every job has predefined processes and steps for success, looking at the plan of action from a different angle can be helpful to spark new ideas and avoid becoming complacent. If these steps don’t pertain to you and your work, now you are able to get on stage and know how to set the scene when an audience tells you you’re out to dinner in Milan with Oprah.