I read this book by ⚖️ Sam Killermann and Meg Bolger a few years ago and recently revisited it. Here is the beautiful journey:
🦄 I attended a workshop by Creative Change Facilitator Jane E. Fischer, founder of Improv Connections, entitled “Play Forward” In that workshop, Jane brilliantly demonstrated how an improvisational mindset creates connections, contributes to #transformationalleadership, #emtionalintelligence, #empathy , #innovation, #growthmindset and so much more!
🦄 Then I got to witness the magic of Izzy Gesell CSP, Author of Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed from Improvisation Theater, Izzy is one of the front-runners in bringing the concepts of improv theater into the business world.
He has also contributed to the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) Handbook and Humor Me, a compilation by America’s most prominent humorists. He takes serious topics like cancer and infuses humour in the most graceful, professional way! (If you are not following his work; you might have your priorities jumbled – hihgly recommended)!
🦄 I was further inspired after attending a workshop “Storyboarding and Improv Mash Up” organized by Tamara Eberle and Shawna Eberle, founders of Traction Toolbox who demonstrated the breadth and depth of this!
WHERE AM I GOING WITH THIS?
🦄 One of the 11 key concepts covered in this book is the first rule of improvisation: AGREE. Always agree and SAY YES.
In practice: As a facilitator, let’s say someone says something you completely disagree with. How would you respond in a way where the participant does not disengage or start to argue?
One of the “magics” of facilitation covered in this book is how facilitators can enter a conversation through a point of connection and then create a space where the more accurate/inclusive/ sensitive information is learned!
🦄 The final case I want to make for this book is the lens in which the authors share; social justice facilitation, which in my opinion are some of the more challenged conversations to facilitate.
This book serves to lift those looking for the key concepts that lead to constructive and proven facilitation techniques! It is also hilarious and reads like a conversation! ✨😊
