HRLD0030 - Thinking on Your Feet: Translating Improv Skills to the Workplace

Course Description

At a recent seminar of chief learning officers the question was posed, “What are the critical workplace skills/competencies their organizations would be requiring of employees in the foreseeable future?” The responses were described as:

• Learning agility
• Adaptability
• Curiosity
• Anticipating and adapting to the future
• Comfort with ambiguity
• Resilience

All of the skills/competencies mentioned above are used regularly by people who are skilled at the art of improvisation. Improvisation is a “Right Brain” activity.  In addition, Academic researchers have documented that the skills of improvisation can support an organizational leader’s ability to interpret the environment, craft strategy, foster teamwork and assess organizational culture (Crossan, 1998).

This training program is designed as a workout for the “Right Brain.” The activities and exercises in the program will provide participants the opportunity to improve their skills in the areas of spontaneity, curiosity, adaptability, ambiguity, creative problem solving, and innovation – all “Right Brain” skills. A brain dominance instrument will be administered, improvisation will be defined, and interactive improvisational theater activities/exercises will be used to meet the program’s learning objectives.