I am conducting a workshop on July 20, 2006 in the Washington, DC area called Improvisation for Leaders - using the practices and principles of improvisational theater for leadership effectiveness. (See "4 New Workshops" posted on this blog June 21). It blends improvisation with business skill building. Improvisational skills, once learned, stay with you for life. They form the foundation for improving a leader's ability to be a great mentor, coach, manager, and leader.
Today's business world requires leaders and entrepreneurs to be open to new ideas, flexible in thought and action, take risks, work within ambiguity and uncertainty and still boldly move forward -- just like improvisers. Effective leaders and good improvisers both have to make in-the-moment decisions, quickly integrate information, make others look good, see things form different perspectives, create and innovate, make relevant connections, and serve the good of the whole. Improvisation is an accelerated approach to breaking past old, limiting patterns and paving the way for new, more versatile ones, even through difficult terrain and with "difficult" people. And:
. The paradox of making it safe to take risks
. Thinking on your feet and responsiveness
. Adapting as new information and situations emerge
. Discovery - new and surprising solutions to old and new situations
. Resourcefulness - using the unexpected as opportunity
. Influence - getting buy-in and support for your initiatives
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