Cha, cha, changes
Last week, I attended the NASAGA 2019 conference in Chicago!
I have to tell you, it was a great experience. I learned a lot that validated my ideas. Lots to unpack and share, but I want to start in a different spot.
Eye Opener
Brandon Carson, of Delt Airlines, delivered the keynote on Saturday. It was fascinating and scary both at once. Some bullet points:
10,000 people retire daily. DAILY.
By 2030, it’s predicted that the world’s population will be over 8.5 billion.
By 2030, 14% of the global workforce will have to switch their skill set.
Workplace automation will affect up to 50% of all US jobs.
Changes
These changes are happening fast and they’re happening now. Those are some pretty significant numbers. It’s going to be a world of change. So, how are we going to manage that?
If you predicted I would say Applied Improvisation, you win a prize. (Not valid in all 50 states, some restrictions apply.)
We need a workforce that’s comfortable with change. We need leaders that create a positive environment for change. We need $1.73 in change. Nevertheless, love it or hate it, change is upon us. We can’t control change, but we can control how we react to it.
Applied Improvisation
Where does Applied Improvisation (AI) come in? Improvisors live in the world of uncertainty and change. We are prepared at any moment that a scene make take a left turn when we expected a right, a scene partner may add one idea that completely changes everything, an audience may throw out a suggestion. I’ve seen all these happen and much more.
That adaptability is just one of our improv muscles. We become comfortable with the idea that a scene could change at any moment. We create an environment where we thrive on the unknown.
These muscles aren’t limited to performers. We can all develop them. Just like a workout at the gym to improve those pecs, an improv workshop develops the muscles needed to survive in a world of change. I have a number of exercises that push us out of our comfort zone. Quick changes and unexpected additions make these activities fun and engaging.
Here’s an organization I never had heard of and was totally fascinated by. NASAGA originally was a group focused on war gaming exercises. It expanded its reach and now trainers, gamers, educators, and thinkers are all involved. I must say, I was nervous at first, but these were great, friendly, welcoming people.
Studying improvisation can be tranformational; not only for your team but you personally as well.
I learned that what is now the Applied Improvisation Network grew out of NASAGA in the early 2000s, and they had a learning track for AI last week.
Wow, what an experience. In addition to new exercises, I had my ideas reinforced and brought a focus to some areas I was vague on. Most importantly, I learned the value of the debrief.