We're all improvising every day, so why wouldn't an improv workshop from some of the best improv instructors in the world benefit everyone? I began studying at the Groundlings while working at The Donahue Group - a Beverly Hills based public relations firm where I eventually became partner and CFO. It didn't take long before I saw the culmination of my Groundings training assisting in my managerial and communication skills in the corporate world. And now that I've run countless corporate improv workshops myself, I've had the privilege of watching others have the same experience. I have to admit, seeing the light bulbs come on is a rush!
When the Groundlings works with companies, it becomes clear that improv training is not about teaching people to be funny, think fast, or be clever and witty. Improv training is about teaching people to ratchet up their communication skills to a whole new level. The tenets of communication are brought to the forefront. When employees understand the importance of self awareness around their own communication, it can only have a positive effect on everyone they come in contact with. Can you say "emotional intelligence" to the max? I, for one, believe emotional intelligence is certainly as important as intellectual intelligence. Groups loaded with intellectuals will certainly struggle without it. And communication comes in all forms in the workplace; one on one conversations, pitching ideas to internal and external sources, not to mention presentations. And remember, so much of communicating is not what we're saying, it's how we're saying it.
When the Groundlings works with companies, team building happens sans trust falls. Because the workshops are interactive and fun - yes fun IS a valuable tool when it comes to learning - the employees automatically connect before they even realize they have. Participants are assured this is not an acting class and they do NOT have to be actors and do NOT have to be funny. The exercises they do in the workshop are simply fun ways to demonstrate the many challenges that arise when functioning in today's work environment.
In every workshop I've taught, employees always learn more about and surprise each other. Not to mention by the end of the day, they're thanking me for getting them out of their comfort zone in a supportive, fun and comfortable way. Leaders of numerous groups have reported that many of the challenges they're facing as a group come to the forefront during the workshop, and participants begin to debrief and offer solutions. Now that's team building!
When the Groundlings works with companies, the participants get to share in a unique experience. Each workshop is built around the goals and desires of each client. A Groundlings facilitator consults with the client to determine the most effective exercises to reach the desired goal. And think about this.....No power point! No tech needs! Just some chairs and a desire to have some fun while learning! Again, FUN is okay!
Some of my favorite moments have come from watching participants in Groundlings corporate trainings. Witnessing the transformation from beginning to end of the workshop is incredibly rewarding. Pretty cool way to spend a few hours if you ask me!