I took a six-week Improv class this year. In addition to all the laughs and getting to experiment with my funny side in a safe space, I learned some valuable leadership lessons that have transformed how I collaborate and manage conflicts.

Yes

Accept what others are communicating. In an improv skit, if I said, "I made you some coffee." and if my partner said, "no, that's not coffee.", the scene would come to a halt. In real life, even when you don't agree with someone, you can say "yes" to accept what was said and start with an open mind instead of attempting to dismiss, reject and override others' ideas. As an improviser, I always find it jarring when someone's first answer is, "No, that wouldn't work." "No, that's too complicated." Instead, say "Yes" and paraphrase what you are hearing. 

Yes, And

In improv, it's your responsibility to add to the idea. If I said, "I can't believe it is so quiet here." and my partner said, "yea." it would lead to an awkward pause, and the skit would lose momentum. Instead, when I say, "I can't believe it is so quiet here." a good improviser would add something like, "Yes, AND that is why I love sneaking into the museum at midnight." In real life, when it is hard to agree, say "Yes, AND" follow it up with your suggested effective course of action. The goal is not to debate competing ideas but to co-create something new together. 

Use the 'Yes, And' principle to build on the ideas or perspectives of others to connect to their thinking. The Improv philosophy challenges you to understand what others are expressing and build from there, leading to shared meaning that creates action.