14. No Mistakes, Only Opportunities with Joel Zeff

There are no roads for improv actors, only possibilities. The ability to be flexible and "go with the flow" allows them to handle curveballs with grace and agility, respond freely and creatively, and change not what they think but how they think. As Comedian Tina Fey once said, "Just say yes, and you'll figure it out later."

Since the 1990s, businesses have turned to improv centers to learn essential social-emotional skills and techniques used by stage performers and to support their employees with the same team-building and communication exercises that improv actors use.

Tune in as Joel Zeff, Improvisational Humorist, Author, Actor, and Emcee, talks about improv as an art form that teaches us to be present in the moment, prepares us for change and disruption, and reminds us that our ultimate achievements come from our choices.

Takeaways:

• Leadership, like improv, doesn't come with a script. You encounter unknowns daily. How you handle curveballs speaks volumes and defines your leadership style.

• Improv develops leadership skills. It teaches people to take risks, listen carefully, read cues, work with others, and trust their instincts.

• Adaptability and flexibility are skills that will equip you for any task you encounter.

• "Leap, and the net will appear." Too often, our thoughts get in the way. Improv is an excellent way of forcing someone's hand (or your own) to be spontaneous and enjoy the ride.