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 Come in with a perspective and know it can change. This week’s lesson is….

Trust yourself, there is no one right answer, just commit

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far in improv class is to trust myself, that I don’t need to have all the answers, know what’s coming next, or have the whole scene planned out. I can trust that I can care for my scene partner and myself, and that I’ll be able to figure it out as I go along. There’s no script or predetermined path or ending in improv. You are creating the experience as you go along.

If we do it well, I think this applies in change management work, too. Yes, the initiatives we work on have goals, objectives, and a desired outcome. However, there is no script or predetermined “right” path for how to get there. Yes, we have certain assessments and tasks we may do, but it’s our job to adjust in real time to what’s happening in the project.

The phrase “paralysis by analysis” comes to my mind when I think about this lesson. Sometimes, it’s easy for me to get caught up in trying to figure out all the “right” moves. I can get stuck trying to figure it all out ahead of time. I look for the safety in certainty and knowing before moving forward. I forget to trust myself and the process. I forget that the goal is progress, not perfection. I forget that I’m not operating in isolation. Just like in improv, when I’m in my head trying to figure it all out things bog down and outcomes aren’t nearly as creative, innovative, or on point as they could be.

When I’m in my head trying to figure it all out things bog down and outcomes aren’t nearly as creative, innovative, or on point as they could be.

When I remember these things, when I trust myself that I’ll figure things out as they unfold, I feel freer. I am more creative, more flexible, more open minded, and more effective. The solutions that come out of this process are more inclusive, more robust, and more successful.

Closing thoughts

I want to hear from you! What has been your experience with trusting that you will figure things out as they unfold vs. when you feel like you need to have all the answers and have the whole change process rigidly planned out? What have you felt like in each situation? Have the results been different?

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