Recently, I attended a course for senior executives focused on people-centric change. To my delight, at the end of the session, the course leader introduced an improv game.
Improvisation is something I’ve been exploring because of its value in fostering creativity and flow. But not everyone shared my enthusiasm – some refused to join in, missing the point entirely. Perhaps they saw it as frivolous or worried about looking silly in front of their peers. Maybe a better introduction would have helped them see the benefits of this approach.
But here’s the thing—playfulness isn’t just for children. It’s a powerful tool for innovation, problem-solving, and connection. It can relieve stress, improve brain function and increase energy.
Some of the most effective leaders I know create environments where curiosity and experimentation thrive.
Eager to find out how improv could be applied in leadership, I signed up for a six-week course. I can’t say I’ll ever be an improv genius (some participants were incredible!), but stepping outside my comfort zone gave me new insights into how playfulness can unlock creativity and strengthen teams.
What Improv Taught Me About Effective Teams
- Building on ideas – The core principle of improv is “yes, and…” Instead of shutting down ideas, you expand on them. Imagine how different meetings would be if we all did this more!
- Active listening – You can’t build on ideas if you don’t truly listen. To listen actively is to pay full attention to the person speaking, understand their perspective, and respond thoughtfully. In improv, missing a single word can throw off an entire scene. In leadership and team work, failing to listen can mean missing opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
- Unleashing imagination – There’s something beautiful about tapping into creativity. As children, we do this instinctively; as adults, we often lose sight of this wonder. Yet, in business, creative thinking is invaluable – whether solving complex problems, inspiring teams, or developing fresh strategies. A global study found that 96% of survey respondents agree creative ideas are essential to an organization’s long-term success and performance so its seems worthwhile for leaders to explore their playful side.
Why This Matters for Leaders
Too often, leadership is associated with seriousness. But the best leaders know when to bring a sense of fun. They encourage exploration, create psychological safety, and make room for unexpected ideas. Some of the big corporate firms use improv techniques to spark creativity – Google famously uses “Yes, and…” exercises in team meetings. Pixar has storytelling improv sessions. These organisations understand that playfulness isn’t a distraction—it’s a catalyst for innovation.
There are plenty of great improv games available online, many of which can be done in person or virtually. They’re fantastic for energising teams, lightening the mood, and bringing creativity into problem-solving. Session Lab is a great place to look if you want to explore some new ideas.
So, can you ever be too senior to be playful? I don’t think so. If anything, the higher up you go, the more important it becomes.
Have you ever tried improv games with your teams? How did it go? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Image by Maike und Björn Bröskamp from Pixabay
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