Improvisation
Be Connected by Bettina Bonkas – Improvisation Builds Confidence, Creativity & Group Dynamics
Improvisation – an important key to strengthening lived resilience.
Improvisation
Improvisation means creating or producing something without preparation, spontaneously and in the moment. In everyday language, improvisation also refers to the spontaneous, practical use of creativity to find solutions to problems as they arise. (Source: Wikipedia)
The Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic showed us, in the most powerful way, that we need both. Almost overnight, we had to respond (pro)actively and adapt to sometimes completely new circumstances: being unable to work in our usual way, working from home, severely restricted social lives, no childcare and much more.
At the same time, we had to be creative on the spot and find solutions: working from the kitchen table, doing yoga online, or setting up a mulled wine stall in the garden with a fire barrel and friends.
Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zone
There is a German saying, “Not macht erfinderisch” – necessity is the mother of invention – and it’s true. But to be inventive, we have to step outside our comfort zone.
Yet we are often reluctant to do so. We have become comfortable in our comfort zone and are not necessarily keen to leave it. But if we are completely honest with ourselves, that doesn’t mean we are actually happy with everything.
Perhaps we sometimes get frustrated with ourselves because we don’t dare to speak up for fear of creating an uncomfortable situation. Deep down, we may realise that we have become too comfortable – and that stepping into something new therefore makes us feel uneasy, or even afraid.
Many years ago, I took part in an intensive improvisation course in England called “Drama Techniques in the Classroom”, led by an Australian actor. We were a group of teachers from all over Europe. I was immediately captivated by the sense of ease and the feeling of togetherness.
On the final day, there was going to be a show. Our group was expected to perform in front of the entire institute. We were staying on the large University of Cambridge campus, so there would be quite an audience.
Almost everyone in the group was keen to take part, but a few of us had our doubts – all of us German participants, myself included.
What if we got stuck and embarrassed ourselves? Should I really take part?
Then Antonia, an Italian participant, said to me:
“Bettina, it’s just a game.”
And I suddenly realised how right she was. I took part, and we all had so much fun during the show. For me personally, it has become a wonderful memory of wonderful people.
Yes to Mistakes, No to Perfectionism
This experience made me realise once again just how much our perfectionism can get in our way. Quality matters and is important, but everyone makes mistakes. Speaking English is a very good example.
As non-native speakers, we cannot avoid making mistakes. English is a means to an end – nothing more, nothing less. And in our professional and personal lives, we will make mistakes time and time again.
The important thing is to learn from them. When we are comfortable with making mistakes, we are much more willing to try something new.
And this is what improvisation is about: developing greater ease and composure, while also remaining professional and being willing to engage with the unknown and with other people’s ideas. This helps us develop greater agility and the ability to improvise in everyday life.
Rules of Improvisation
Let’s start with the fundamental principle of improvisational theatre:
- “Yes, and …” instead of “Yes, but …” – this encourages solution-focused thinking and a willingness to shape and influence situations, rather than focusing on problems. Our thinking influences our inner attitude; the improv mindset is: “Yes, and …”
You can find an example here: “Yes, but …” “Yes, and …” - Make the other person look good. This leads to much more successful and enjoyable collaboration, with significantly less friction. That is why we accept and appreciate the ideas and offers of the other participants.
- Yes to mistakes! Or, in other words, tolerance towards disruption. This does not mean ignoring or avoiding mistakes and conflicts. Instead, they are accepted and integrated in an appreciative way. This creates a culture of collaboration, openness and enjoyment of learning.
- A relaxed and trusting atmosphere creates space for creativity and ease.
Above All: Keep Your Cool
Ella Amann from Akademie impro live! writes that “the natural initial response of the autonomic nervous system to mistakes and irritation is not annoyance or anger, but laughter. That is what improvisational theatre thrives on.”
Humour and composure, saying yes to agility – applied improvisation offers all of this, as well as opportunities for personal growth.
It is an important key to strengthening lived resilience in our agile and dynamic world: Life & Work 4.0.
That is why my resilience coaching also incorporates elements of applied improvisation – to bring more joy and ease into the process.
Let’s Start a Conversation
I’d be happy to have an informal, no-obligation conversation with you: Get in touch
I look forward to hearing from you.
Bettina Bonkas
Be Connected by Bettina Bonkas GmbH
Englisch | Coaching | Resilience + Improvisation