Adaptability, curiosity, learning agility, comfort with ambiguity, the ability to collaborate – these are a list of attributes and skills that a group of 85 learning leaders from diverse organizations stated in a recent survey will drive their organizations’ success in the next several years.
Daniel Pink’s, “A Whole Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future” and “To Sell is Human” describe an almost identical set of qualities that will positively impact organizations in the near future.
Is it possible to practice or hone these skills?
The answer to this question is a resounding “Yes, and” – from the field of improvisation or “improv.” Improvisers have known for a long time that it is possible to:
- Increase their ability to be comfortable with ambiguity
- Improve collaboration skills
- Approach situations or challenges with a sense of curiosity
How do improvisers do it? They exercise their right brain. Improv exercises and games are used to help even skilled improvisers practice and hone their craft.
The emphasis on innovation and creativity in the corporate community has led to a connection with improv. More and more corporations and business schools are adding improvisation to curriculums, so their employees and students will be more agile, collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial.
Here are 3 ways you can exercise your right brain:
- Drive or walk a different way to work every day for a week.
- Make a point by telling a story rather than providing evidence or facts.
- Say, “yes, and…” then add a suggestion that relates to what the other person just said.
For more practice with right brain activities, contact BRODYpro to learn about the “Thinking On Your Feet” workshop. Come and join the “Yes, and” culture of the future!