Leadership

One of the things that a good improv performer shares in common with a good leader is this: they are both fully present in the moment. This is more than just being a good listener (though that certainly is a part of being present). It's also about being fully engaged in the communication task. Being fully present in the moment involves being aware of more than what the other person is saying. It's also being aware of what they are not saying. It's hearing what is left unspoken. Being fully present is giving the other person our full attention. When you are fully present in the moment, you will pick up non-verbal clues that need to be explored further. A fully present leader lets the other person know that you are one hundred with them -- not necessarily in agreement, but in a supportive way. I'm sure each of us have tried…

As a communicator, I love to watch really good improv groups. The ability to think quickly and clearly is both a gift and a learned skill. As with most things that appear to be spontaneous, there is actually a fair amount of practice involved. Much of the practice has to do with retraining the instincts of the performer. The first -- and most basic -- rule of improv is called the "Yes, and" rule. It's designed to keep the scene open and moving. Saying "no" is akin to closing the door. It closes the sentence or stops the action. It becomes a conversational wall that must be navigated around. "Yes, and" is an invitation to continue. In life, there are many times it is appropriate to say "no" to something or someone. In fact, the ability to say no well is an important to have as a leader, pastor, or parent.…

Ever have someone ask you, "What were you thinking?" Typically, this in response to something we said or did that was a bit odd or goofy or even dangerous. Rarely does someone ask us that question when something goes well! I recently taught a class at Colorado Free University entitled Finding the True You. It's a three-hour class designed to help jumpstart the process of discovering your personal mission or purpose. It's always a fun class to teach because the people who sign up are "in process" -- they are looking for something different. Or just something. Anything. One of the sections I cover has to do with limiting beliefs we hold about ourselves, other people, or the world. For many students, they begin to realize that the force that is holding them back is actually the way they think. Instead of asking, "What were you thinking?" perhaps we should…