Principle of Improv

1.“Yes, and…”

Arguably the most important and foundational improv principle, the idea of “Yes,
and” is simple: accept and say “yes” to the situation or idea, then build on it.  In
improv scenes, this means never saying “no” to what your scene partner has just
said or created, and just allowing it to happen and then building on it.

In a corporate or work setting, this means letting every team member speak out and
saying yes to every idea put on the table, then finding a positive thing to build on. It
means fostering a culture of encouragement, contribution, and collaboration. In our
daily lives, when faced with not-so-ideal situations, we use this principle to learn to
accept the cards we’re dealt and create something from it instead. This mindset
creates positivity, and that is always a great thing.

2.Making your partner look good

-In improv, there’s no such thing as “laglagan,“ or leaving people hanging, or

throwing people under the bus. In fact, a popular pre-show improv ritual is telling
everyone “I got your back.” On stage, the aim is to put your scene partner in the best
light possible. No one person will be the center of attention; in improv, people shine
brightest when they focus on the other.

When a system of support and trust is created, a safe space is created for people to
feel good about what they’re doing and therefore work together more effectively.
Great leaders make every person in his team the best versions of themselves, and
create environments where they can flourish..
3,Be average

In a regular improv group, being average is the best thing you can be. This means
never hogging the spotlight, or talking over other improvisers, or pressuring
yourself to be brilliant all the time. It means just doing your part genuinely and
honestly, and letting the scene take off on its own.

In any career, the overbearing stress to always be the best can become demanding
and draining. In fact, perfectionism can paralyze us. As a leader, fostering a
competitive atmosphere can backfire when people start obsessing over being better
than the other. More average people working together is better than people fighting
over who’s better. You’ll be surprised with what you can come up with when you
let yourself be and trust that your teammates will do their parts as well.

4.Active listening

An improv scene is not an improv scene if no one is listening to the other person.
The only way to move any story on stage forward is if you pay attention to what
your scene partner is saying. How else are you going to say something that is
relevant when you don’t know what was just said? This is a critical skill if you want
to build ideas or solve problems, no matter what situation you find yourself in.

The very same thing can be said when dealing with circumstances off stage. When
listening to and being considerate of everyone and everything involved, you’ll start
to see where opportunities lie. Being too focused on just contributing instead of
taking things in can create blocks or oversights. Instead, when genuinely listening,
you’ll often find that everything you need is just in front of you.
5.Everything is a gift

On an improv stage, everything said or done is an offer if you choose to accept it. If
you’re listening actively enough, there are openings to create everywhere – be it
creating drama, comedy, or intrigue. The best and most creative improv scenes start
when performers accept the “gifts” given to them with no judgment. They then use
the magic of improv to turn it into something unexpected and spectacular.

This translates into both opportunity and gratitude. When leaders learn to treat
everything as gift, they see possibility and purpose in anything that comes their way.
These become outlets for progress and creativity. This mindset also allows for
gratitude to manifest. When everything in your eyes is a gift, you become thankful
and accepting. This, above everything, allows for positivity and centeredness.  

These are only some of the guiding principles that help improvisers navigate the
unscripted stage. 

SOURCE : https://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/164803-5-improve-principles-
leaders/