Hello all! We are in a series called What does improv have to do with change management? In this series, I’m sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned so far from improv class that have direct application to my work as a change management practitioner. Last week’s post was Yes and, meet people where they’re at. This week’s lesson is….

Come in with a perspective and know it can change

My improv teacher often talks to us about the importance of coming into the scene with some perspective, feeling, or just anything about who we are, to not come in with a blank slate / with nothing to build on. He then reminds us to be open, that this perspective doesn’t need to be fixed, it can change throughout the scene as new information is gathered. This approach makes for an interesting, successful scene.

How true is this in change initiatives! When we enter into a change project and begin working with business partners, it’s important to come in with some general thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. It’s equally important to be open to changing and adjusting, to not get stuck in your perspective or what you think you know about change management.

It’s equally important to be open to changing and adjusting, to not get stuck in your perspective or what you think you know about change management.

Taking an “Oh, I’ve seen this situation a million times before, I know exactly what needs to be done” approach is narrow, limiting, and doesn’t account for the unique people and variables in the current situation. Taking this approach means you have blinders on to what’s happening now and puts you at risk of making decisions that won’t help the current initiative be successful.

Taking an “I’m coming into this initiative tabula rasa: no perspective, no ideas, no high level recommended steps/process” approach is to wide open, loosey-goosey (quite a technical term, I know, lol!), and doesn’t account for what you’ve learned from previous experiences or what skills and knowledge you bring to the table. Taking this approach means you and your business partner are having to start from scratch which puts the success of the initiative at risk.

Taking an “I’m coming into this initiative with all my skills, experience, and ideas, but I’m going to hold onto them loosely” approach is, as Goldilocks would say, “just right”! Taking this approach means your business partner gets the benefit of all you have to offer right away and you are able to adjust your approach to the specifics of the current initiative which will help ensure a tailored, successful change initiative.

Taking this approach means your business partner gets the benefit of all you have to offer right away and you are able to adjust your approach to the specifics of the current initiative which will help ensure a tailored, successful change initiative.

Closing thoughts

I want to hear from you! Have you found yourself operating at either of these extremes? How has that affected your work? What has it been like when you hold on loosely to your experience and ideas?

Please post your thoughts and comments below. Let’s help each other become the best change management practitioners and enthusiasts we can be!

Thank you for reading. Until next time, take care and keep up the good work!

Mike