We did the exercise in the attached article in a recent management meeting. We divided into three groups and then they were told that they would be planning a memorable company party. Everyone was instantly excited by the task at hand. Each group designated an idea GIVER. Then we separated the idea givers from the rest of the team. The other team members were instructed to instantly shoot down every idea and explain why. After 5 minutes, they were told to stop. One idea giver exclaimed, "I want a new group!".
We proceeded with the exercise as presented and the teams rotated idea GIVERS. In the last round, the groups were told to say, "yes" to the ideas and build and add to the ideas presented.
It was a great experience for the team. During the first round (the shoot it down group), the room was tense, the idea GIVERS were visibly frustrated, the energy in the room that existed when they were presented with the task of party planning quickly was sucked out by the negative responses. During the last group, when they were building on ideas, there were lots of smiles and laughter, when time was up, all the teams were declaring, "We planned the best party!"
We experienced the concept of "Collaboration" first hand and its value. What if this approach was applied to all of our problem solving? All strategic planning? At all levels in the organization?
I encourage you to try this with your group. It is one thing to read about this concept and it is another thing to see it, feel it, and enjoy the benefits of it. It is well worth 30 minutes in your next meeting.
Follow the link below to read more about the improv exercise!
What Improv Can Teach Your Team About Creativity And Collaboration
