WHY IMPROV?
When people think of powerful, transformative methods for business development, improv isn't necessarily the first thing that comes to mind.
But that's changing. People who are not associated with comedy or performing are seeing the real-time benefits that the skills behind improvisation can provide them and their companies.
The origins of improv are actually not connected directly with comedy or performing in fact. In the early part of the 20th Century, Viola Spolin was creating workshops to inspire people to grow, change, flourish and expand their capacities using the ‘hot, new’ insights from sociology and psychology.
So it's not that far off that improv would find its way back to deeper and more profound uses.
As business moves from the Industrial Era’s modes of management and mindsets, skills that are inherent in improvisation and improv training are recognized as incredibly relevant and even vital for businesses to survive in this fast-paced, digital, global world we are in.
Team Collaboration & Communication
Creativity & Innovation
Workplace Confidence & Engagement
Resilience & Adaptability
At iMERGENCE, we've spent over a decade refining our approach to bring the unique skills and perspectives of improvisation into the business world, making them practical and impactful for professionals.
We are able to customize our trainings because we understand improv from having learned it, performed it, and then taught it extensively. When focused on performance, the mechanics of improvisation create hilarious, powerful, and spontaneous, theatrical experiences. However, improv is not limited to just that arena.
Connection, not perfection.
When focused on helping teams work together better, communicating more effectively, our aim is to create connection and trust. When a team or company culture is caught up in overthinking and perfectionism, the gears grind to a halt, the joy seeps out and productivity suffers. Sometimes people leave…or queitly quit. Our specialty is developing a new work culture with “yes, and” as its core philosophy, fueling positivity, collaboration, and success.
JUST SOME OF THE WAYS IMPROV CAN HELP COMPANIES GROW, UNIFY AND THRIVE
THINK DIVERGENTLY
Improv is all about breaking out of the "right answer" trap and thinking in unexpected, creative ways. The ability to generate multiple, unique solutions to a single problem. It requires thinking outside the box, seeing connections others might miss, comfort in the uncertain, and embracing creativity without boundaries. This type of thinking is essential for innovation, problem-solving, and adapting to new challenges.
ADOPT A GROWTH MINDSET
A company's success depends on everyone’s interest in learning, expanding and adapting. When employees believe they can grow their skills, they’re more engaged and motivated, which boosts overall performance. It also fosters a positive, supportive culture where people help each other improve. This attracts top talent and encourages innovation, free from the fear to take risks and try new things. Plus, viewing challenges as opportunities makes the company more resilient and ready for whatever comes its way.
GO FROM RISK-AVERSE TO
RISK-EMBRACING
Being cautious has its place, but great ideas often come from bold moves. Improv encourages risk-taking in a fun, supportive environment, helping people move from playing it safe to confidently embracing risks, seeing the results each and every time. Once you’ve experienced the freedom that comes with stepping into the unknown in improv, integrating it becomes not only easier but more fun.
BECOME SOLUTION-FOCUSED NOT PROBLEM-OBSESSED
A solution-focused company zeroes in on finding and implementing effective solutions instead of getting stuck on problems. This proactive mindset creates a culture of innovation and efficiency, where challenges are viewed as opportunities to improve. It encourages thinking creatively, working together, and discovering ways to overcome obstacles, making the business more resilient, positive and adaptable.
THINK IN NEW WAYS AND SPARK INNOVATION
Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and it certainly doesn’t thrive in routine thinking. Improv disrupts familiar patterns in the brain and sparks fresh perspectives, helping people approach problems from new angles. It's like giving your team permission to experiment, play, and dream big in a “low bar” setting—just the right recipe to inspire and create in novel ways.
(RE)ESTABLISH CONNECTION AND TRUST
When employees leave a company, the number one reason they give is feeling disconnected in their company and a lack of trust with either management, coworkers, or the organization as a whole. And we all know retention is a huge factor today. Buying drinks after work for your team is not going to address and reestablish connections between them. Improv is fueled by trust and operating as a team. It can't happen without it. So, introducing improv exercises will inherently spark opportunity to create bonds and allow everyone to feel valued, heard, and seen.
QUICKLY SYNC UP AS A TEAM
In improv, success is about being connected with your team. There’s no time to overthink; you need to quickly read the room, adjust, and trust that everyone has your back. The nature of the exercises erase inhibitions and allow people to drop their defenses and self-consciousness. Pretty soon, groups have slotted in to operating and thinking as one unit. Trust is established immediately which carries over long after the session is over.
BREAK OLD DYNAMICS & HIERARCHIES
Improv levels the playing field. Every team member has the same amount of responsibility in a scene which allows for new dynamics to take hold. Getting groups to do improv exercises creates experiences and bonds with people they may not interact with often. A space is created where everyone’s voice matters and focusing on the ‘team’ allows for a more harmonious and equitable ground to build upon.
TELLING STORIES INSTEAD OF RELAYING DATA
Facts and figures are important, but stories are what stick. Improv teaches you how to craft narratives that connect with people emotionally, making your message memorable. Whether you're pitching an idea, selling a product, or leading a team, storytelling adds the human element that data alone can’t provide. It turns dry information into something that resonates and inspires action.
ADAPTIVE TO CHANGE
All companies know responses to change are vital to stay competitive and relevant. When things get tough, adaptable companies bounce back stronger and keep moving forward. A dynamic and forward-thinking company is a magnet for top talent who want to be part of something exciting and cutting-edge. Employees who thrive in a constantly changing environment give their company a huge advantage.
EMBRACE FAILING BIG AND OFTEN
In improv, failure is a badge of honor. The bigger the risk, the bigger the return. Improv allows people to play where mistakes are no big deal and doing it ‘right’ doesn’t exist. Allowing people to practice failing without consequence opens up more creativity and novel thinking. In order to take big swings, people have to first experience this new approach in a supportive, playful way.
LISTEN FREE OF AGENDAS & BIASES
Let’s face it—communicating with colleagues or clients, especially when things get tense or confusing, can be a minefield of misunderstandings and missed chances to really connect. Everyone thinks they’re a great listener, but improv teaches us that there’s a whole new level of listening—one that’s completely free of judgment, agendas, or biases. Sound impossible? It’s not. But it does take practice. The truth is, we all have moments where we stop listening when it matters most, and improv gives us the tools to stay fully present when it counts.
