Sims describes how Pixar uses those techniques in a concept they call plussing. He outlines how improvisational techniques can “free us up from the risk aversion and emphasis on rigid procedures that predominate in so many workplaces.” The book is about how innovators develop their ideas gradually through little bets rather than all at once. I was struck by how much Fey’s advice aligns with a new book called Little Bets, by Peter Sims.

And many of the world’s greatest discoveries have been made by accident.” “In improv there are no mistakes, only beautiful happy accidents. THERE ARE NO MISTAKES, ONLY OPPORTUNITIES That person is a drag.” This reminds me of David Kelley’s point about the organizational harm done by people who insist only on playing the Devil’s Advocate.Ĥ. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles. “This is a positive way of saying ‘Don’t ask questions all the time.’” “Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Always make sure you’re adding something to the discussion. This means “don’t be afraid to contribute. The idea here is that you agree and then add something of your own. You’re pointing your finger at me,” our improvised scene has ground to a halt.”įey recognizes that people aren’t always going to agree, “ut the Rule of Agreement reminds you to ‘respect what your partner has created’ and to at least start from an open-minded space.” Substitute “colleague” for “partner” and you have a rule that will improve communication in any organization.

So if we’re improvising and I say, “Freeze, I have a gun,” and you say, “That’s not a gun. “When you’re improvising, this means you are required to agree with whatever your partner has created. They apply just as much in the workplace as they do in an improvisational skit for Saturday Night Live. In a section titled “The Rules of Improvisation That Will Change Your Life and Reduce Belly Fat,” Fey describes four rules that are important for effective communication in any context. In the unlikely event she wants to pursue a different career, she has great potential as a management consultant. Tina Fey’s new book, Bossypants, is smart and funny, which is not surprising.

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