Several of improv’s most fundamental rules are very much related to leadership and professional growth.
Like many, my professional growth and leadership journey often feels like a “make it up as you go” exercise. Strategies have shifted, team relationships have evolved, and the path forward has not always been clear. What I’ve discovered is that the art of improvisation is well suited to help leaders navigate unknowns with confidence and creativity.
Having both watched and taken improv classes, I’ve come to recognize several of improv’s most fundamental rules are very much related to leadership and professional growth. Improv is not just about being funny – it is about being present, willing to collaborate, and responsive to your troupe’s needs. These skills are ones leaders use every day while managing people and projects, solving challenging problems, and driving change through uncertainty.
A quick Google search will list out many of improv’s key principles, but here are some of my favorites:
1. Say “Yes, and…” One of the first rules any student of improv will learn is to accept what has been presented and build from there. If a scene begins with, “We’re stuck on a spaceship headed for Mars,” the next actor might respond, “Yes, and the engine just failed.” This “Yes, and…” mindset keeps the story moving forward.
When you are seeking to grow “Yes, and…” is about momentum.
Don’t be so caught up in one objective that you are overly critical or immediately dismiss the next opportunity in front of you. I recently shared this advice with a soon to be minted P.E. ready to take their career to new heights. They were hyper focused on chasing work with one firm on our prospect list. I had to remind them that firm didn’t need to be their first win, it could be 10, 12, or even 100. Just continue learning, growing, and you will start winning.
This approach doesn’t mean accepting every opportunity without scrutiny. It means starting with a broad perspective, embracing growth when it presents itself, and bringing your unique skill set to the table.
2. Don’t negate. Negation is a momentum killer in improv. Imagine someone walks on stage and says, “Thanks for meeting me at the zoo,” and the other actor replies, “We’re not at the zoo.” The entire premise evaporates. The audience is confused. The scene stalls.
In business, negation shows up as resistance. Leaders at all levels can fall into the trap of negating without realizing it. This often sounds like:
- “That’s not how we do things.”
- “We tried that before, and it didn’t work.”
This response can destroy creativity and undermine your team.
Instead, leaders should strive to validate, and if necessary, redirect: “I see where you’re going, let’s consider how that aligns with our stated goals.” Even when course-correcting, affirmation can build trust and invite further conversation.
3. End sentences with periods not question marks. In improv, constantly asking questions (“Where are we?” “Why are you doing that?”) forces your fellow actors to carry the weight of the scene. Good improvisers contribute confidently and add to the narrative.
In leadership, asking too many open-ended questions can signal indecision.
Early in my management journey, I noticed myself making passive statements disguised as questions:
- “This employee is struggling. What should we do?”
- “They’ve been doing excellent work – should we consider promoting them?”
These questions often put the burden of action on others, often my boss, rather than asserting a clear point of view.
Leadership means owning your perspective and driving decisions. Sometimes it is difficult, but restate the above questions with these sentences:
- “This employee hasn’t met expectations despite coaching and correction. I recommend we begin the termination process.”
- “This team member exceeds expectations consistently. I am putting them forward for a promotion and a raise.”
Questions are essential for learning, coaching, and engagement. But when it’s time to make a call, don’t punt. End the sentence with a period and lead.
4. Build your troupe. In improv, you rely on your troupe to support the scene and have your back. The same is true in business. No one thrives alone. Surround yourself with a trusted group of mentors and collaborators who challenge you, support your growth, and advocate for you.
I am always energized when finalizing a project or making a pitch for a big pursuit. When I am with the right troupe, success becomes a given. Find your Saturday Night Live worthy team!
Principles in practice.
Our firm president is known to end meetings with a charge, that charge is to “Go chase projects others think we have no business winning!” The challenge sounds impossible. If we don’t have the resume to chase the work, how the heck are we going to win it? Yet, as a firm we have numerous examples of doing just that throughout our 33-year history.
Each story shares a similarity in the grit of the team that won it. The opportunity presented itself, our team said “Yes, and…,” negative comments never entered the room, we prepared a winning strategy that was presented with confidence and clarity, and assembled a troupe ready to take on any challenge that was ahead. We proved our expertise, were ready to embrace the unknown, engaged the client and won the project.
That same charge can be applied to professional growth. When an opportunity comes up say “Yes, and…,” don’t negate, communicate with confidence, and lean on your troupe. I am confident you will find success, and if you need practice, take an improv class.
Whether you’re chasing a big opportunity or stepping into a new role, leadership requires the same agility, creativity, and vulnerability as live improv performances. Improv teaches us to collaborate with confidence, engage audiences, and communicate with clarity.
To quote Tina Fey, “Just say yes and you’ll figure it out afterwards.”
Michael Makris, P.E. is a project manager at BHC. Connect with him on LinkedIn.