The one thing every Improv show has that your team needs

Grace. It’s been a popular name for decades. We say grace before we eat. The Bible says we are saved by grace. Without grace, figure skating becomes hockey, and dancing devolves into twerking. Grace is also a key element of improv comedy and needs to be a key component of your organization.

One of the things I love most about improv comedy is the inherent grace that is a part of each show. Because of the immensely interactive nature of improv comedy, there is a connection between the actors and the audience. We’re in this together. They become invested in the success of the show as we use their ideas to create the comedy.

The audience is also aware of the risks we have to take to do improv. That’s why it’s so exciting. Humor and story written in the moment. Created for the first time, every time, right before your eyes. It’s the comedy version of crossing Niagara Falls on a high wire. Comedy without a net.

For improv to work, grace must be in play.

Grace must be in play because we’re going to fail. At least once every show. Failing is part of improv. Sometimes a joke bombs or the guy who can’t sing is forced to sing a solo. He painfully screeches his way through a song about the trials of raising hairless llamas as the audience applauds and cheers with glee. That’s right, applauds and cheers. Because they love it.

Audiences love the authenticity and vulnerability of improv.

They love it because they understand the agreement.

They just asked us to do a scene about hairless llamas in the style of a high school musical. We said yes. Now the audience can’t wait to see how we are going to pull it off, and they are extending grace to us. Mary, full of grace. And so is Bob, and Phil, and everyone else in the audience.

The actors know the deal, too. We know the audience is more interested in what happens next than whether we will be polished and perfect. So we go for it with everything we’ve got. We jump. Not fearing failure. Because failing may be just as entertaining, and we’re entertainers.

In fact, The Panic Squad incorporates improv games into each of our sets that will ensure we fail at some level. We attempt the impossible and fall short to the delight of the audience. Then we somehow miraculously pull it off. It’s an amazing ride for our audience and these are often the most loved and applauded parts of our show.

The only real failure is not trying.  Audiences don’t like improv actors who pull back, who play it safe, who give up on an idea or scene. It was the audience’s idea, you chickened out, and now they feel ripped off. That’s when they turn on you.

If you’re honest with yourself, you’re probably the same way as a leader.

When you give your team a task or direction, you want them to commit. You value initiative. You are impressed by employees who push their limitations and are willing to work outside of their comfort zone. You’re glad you brought them to that Tony Robbins seminar.

When your team won’t take a task seriously, drags their feet, or makes excuses, you feel ripped off. The least they can do is try their best. Before you ask them into your office, ask yourself if your team knows it’s okay to fail.

Don’t forget your part of the deal. Grace must be an inherent part of your leadership. When I’m on stage in front of a warm audience and I know grace is in play, I can do anything. Is grace at play in your role as a leader? How about at home as a spouse or parent? Do those close to you fear failing you?

Your team has to know that they can fail without fear that you’ll turn on them. They have to trust that the only real failure is not trying. Failure will come. Coaching your team through a failed idea or project is  one of the most significant and rewarding things you’ll do as a leader.

When your team knows the deal and trusts that grace is at play, you will be amazed at what they will accomplish. What would it feel like to lead a team that believes they can do anything? What could be possible? Is grace a part of your leadership?

Question: Failure can be a great teacher. I’ve been a student for years. What are some things that moving past failure has taught you? I would love to hear from you in the comments below. You can leave a comment by clicking here.