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Improvisation In Organizations Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tips for Setting Up and Facilitating Improv Learning Simulations
To prototype, improve, or change a service, "improv learning simulations" can help move the work along very quickly. Below are tips on a minimum structure that unleashes creative adaptability! Improv unleashes innovation that is latent and ready to emerge right under the surface. This improvisational learning approach has been used very effectively in hospitals (eliminating the spread of MRSA, an antibiotic resistant bug) and in many other management challenges. The Billings Clinic Players are featured here. The players and audience are acting their way into new thinking and safe behaviors. The audience engages in conversation about prevention between the scenes. 75% of clinic staff have participated in the improv sessions, achieving a 61% drop in incidence of MRSA. Four elements to help prepare and gently guide an improv: Setting the Stage Clarifying the Role of Faciliator Clarifying the Role of Creative Director Clarifying the Rules for Players
 Setting the Stage 1. Pick situations/scenes together that are challenging… in which exploring novel or positively deviant “how to” solutions may be helpful
2. Specify the minimum details of the local context in a simple storyboard: Location and props needed (e.g., ICU, clinic, bed, hallway, phone, cart, sign) Key roles (e.g., nurse, doctor, patient, family member) Handful of details (e.g., 62 year old male with diabetes, leg wound) Title, including a simple question to be explored, for the scene (e.g., “Safe Travel: What Do I Wear?”) The event that starts the scene (e.g., phone call from the lab to the unit)
Rules for the Facilitator 1. Clarify the purpose of this activity (e.g., to provide a powerful learning experience, helping everyone notice, amplify, and develop behaviors that fulfill your aim)
2. Create a response form so ALL participants can suggest specifically how each scene can be more full of learning and better fit their local context or unit
3. Convene fast-feedback exchanges immediately after each scene (2 minutes in pairs or threesomes… then full group conversations work well)
4. Try to document everything with video, photos, words (this helps with prototyping)
5. Thank everyone for “acting their way into new thinking!”
Rules for the Creative Director
1. Recruit players with interest in and enthusiasm for resolving the challenges at hand (acting experience not required)
2. Start and stop the action using your intuition
3. Offer side-coaching as needed at any time (keep it fun and light)
4. Create opportunities for post-performance feedback to the players
5. Specify the minimum to get the action started (see “Setting the Stage”)
 Rules for the Players
1. Trust and accept all offers (“Yes, and…”)
2. Make action-filled choices, giving and taking
3. Engage in one conversation at a time
4. Listen, watch, concentrate (Look, don’t think!)
5. Work to the top of your intelligence
Now that ALL the rules are clear, GO WILD.
Every journey has a secret destination of which the traveler is not aware. Martin Buber
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