Improv: Leadership’s Best-Kept Secret

Last year, we launched a course at the Marshall School of Business titled “Leadership through Improv.” We have two sections: one in the Fall for our MBA students and one in the Spring for our undergraduates. I have the pleasure of teaching the undergraduate one.

Our course uses the principles of improvisational theater to foster leadership skills. So, through improv exercises, our students practice listening with intention, thinking on their feet, collaborating with each other, being creative, and embracing vulnerability.

But what exactly is improv?

Improv, short for improvisation, is a form of unscripted theater where performers create scenes in real-time without a predetermined script. It’s about quick thinking, collaboration, and, above all, being present in the moment. Viola Spolin, a renowned American theater educator, played a pivotal role in popularizing improv in the U.S. during the 20th century. She believed that improvisation could unlock an actor’s natural creativity and spontaneity. Her philosophy resonates well with leadership.

Five Leadership Skills Developed through Improv

Let’s explore five core leadership skills that improv can help develop. These are essential skills for any leader looking to work well in a team and make an impact in their team members.

1. Active Listening
   In improv, performers must pay close attention to their scene partners in order to respond authentically. They don’t know what’s coming, so they have to be very alert at all times. This is an important skill in leadership. Leaders who actively listen to their teams foster trust and improve communication, creating a work environment where team members feel heard and valued. When people know they are truly listened to, they are more likely to contribute and engage.
2. Thinking on Your Feet
   Improv is all about adjusting to unexpected twists. Scenes can change in a second, and performers must adapt without hesitation. Similarly, leaders must stay adaptable, able to think on their feet in an ever-changing landscape. Adaptability is key to leading teams through uncertainty and disruption. Leaders who can think on their feet are more likely to thrive under unexpected circumstances.
3. Collaboration
   The cornerstone of improv is collaboration — no one can carry the scene alone. It is about accepting others’ ideas and building on them. In leadership, collaboration is essential for fostering a culture of creativity and shared ownership. Leaders who practice this principle inspire team members to work together toward common goals, creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
4. Creativity
   Improv pushes participants to think creatively, to come up with new ideas on the spot. This creativity is crucial for leaders when faced with complex challenges. Leaders who cultivate creativity not only come up with innovative solutions but also inspire their teams to think outside the box. A creative leader encourages a culture where new ideas are welcome, and innovation becomes the norm.
5. Vulnerability
   One of the most valuable lessons from improv is that it allows participants to embrace vulnerability. Anything could happen. We may end up making a fool of ourselves. And that’s ok; that’s exactly what improv is about. There are no mistakes, only opportunities. Leaders who embrace their own vulnerability by admitting they don’t have all the answers or that they’ve made a mistake create psychological safety. This concept, developed by Harvard professor Amy Edmondson, explains that when teams feel safe to express themselves without fear of punishment or ridicule, they perform at higher levels. Vulnerability fosters trust, encourages open communication, and allows team members to be more innovative and creative.

So, if you feel like trying improv to strengthen your leadership skills, build trust in your team and create psychological safety, here are the rules. These rules were taken from the book Bossypants by American actress Tina Fey.

Tina Fey in 2011 at Barnes & Noble in Union Square, New York.

Tina Fey’s Four Rules of Improv

1. Always Agree and Say YES: In improv, this rule ensures that scenes keep moving. By agreeing to whatever your partner offers, you maintain momentum and allow the story to unfold naturally without hitting roadblocks. It encourages flexibility and collaboration on stage.
2. Not Only YES, But YES AND: This takes agreement a step further by building on your partner’s idea. It ensures that the scene grows and evolves rather than becoming stagnant. Each player contributes to the shared creation, making the performance dynamic and layered.
3. Make Statements, Not Questions: In improv, making statements provides direction and clarity. It helps define the situation, character, or action, moving the scene forward. Asking questions can bog down the flow, leaving your partner to do the heavy lifting.
4. There Are No Mistakes, Only Opportunities: In improv, mistakes are viewed as unexpected gifts that can lead to new directions in the scene. This mindset allows performers to stay in the moment, adapt quickly, and turn accidents into creative possibilities.

Improv is more than just an art form — it’s a powerful tool for leadership development. By embracing the principles of improv, leaders can cultivate essential skills like active listening, thinking on their feet, collaboration, creativity, and vulnerability. These skills not only help leaders navigate complex and unpredictable environments but also foster trust and psychological safety within their teams.

By integrating these improv principles into their leadership style, leaders can create more cohesive, innovative, and high-performing teams.

If you liked this article, consider watching the YouTube video on this topic linked at the top of this page.