To Yes...or not to Yes.
In my experience, introducing the 'Yes...and' rule of Improv is a game changer.
According to the president of the Applied Improv Network, Paul Z. Jackson.... ‘Yes.. and’ is at the heart of improvisation, and it represents the performers’ willingness to listen carefully, to accept what is offered (to a scene) and then to build on it in an appropriate way. The performers who do that certainly make the stage a better place. Now the practice of Applied Improvisation puts that same spontaneity and adaptability to work in non-theatrical settings, offering an approach that enables all of us to achieve more with less.'
It's my experience in working with teams of people, be it a group of engineers or a family, this skill is huge in negotiating, conflict resolution, problem solving, and brainstorming. The construct of 'yes..and' works to expand the possibilities and actually help create better solutions. It also has an effect that is positive, forward moving, and energy generating.
Contrast with a 'Yes..but' format and it can be a dramatic shift in results. This construct is very ingrained in the language and will shut down creativity and willingness to participate. It has a win-lose strategy and disallows collaboration, trust, and respect. The absolute opposite of 'Yes...and'.
Now, here's the tricky part. 'Yes..and' is not about agreement. It is about accepting what the other says and building onto.
A great book that I use is Improv Wisdom, by Patricia Ryan Madson. It is a reference book I use and highly recommend.
In my experience, introducing the 'Yes...and' rule of Improv is a game changer.
According to the president of the Applied Improv Network, Paul Z. Jackson.... ‘Yes.. and’ is at the heart of improvisation, and it represents the performers’ willingness to listen carefully, to accept what is offered (to a scene) and then to build on it in an appropriate way. The performers who do that certainly make the stage a better place. Now the practice of Applied Improvisation puts that same spontaneity and adaptability to work in non-theatrical settings, offering an approach that enables all of us to achieve more with less.'
It's my experience in working with teams of people, be it a group of engineers or a family, this skill is huge in negotiating, conflict resolution, problem solving, and brainstorming. The construct of 'yes..and' works to expand the possibilities and actually help create better solutions. It also has an effect that is positive, forward moving, and energy generating.
Contrast with a 'Yes..but' format and it can be a dramatic shift in results. This construct is very ingrained in the language and will shut down creativity and willingness to participate. It has a win-lose strategy and disallows collaboration, trust, and respect. The absolute opposite of 'Yes...and'.
Now, here's the tricky part. 'Yes..and' is not about agreement. It is about accepting what the other says and building onto.
A great book that I use is Improv Wisdom, by Patricia Ryan Madson. It is a reference book I use and highly recommend.