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Using improvisation allows us to be more ontological as leaders.  Who we are being in the world impacts our ability to serve those around us. We cannot be Servant leaders when we don’t take the time to work on our inner lives. Improvisation in leadership has transformed my understanding of myself as a leader. Improvisation gives Servant leaders the power to take risks and offer a bias toward action. Madson (2005) eloquently writes that leaders who use improvisation create a space, “for action, possibility and adventure.” Improvisation is about intentionally saying yes, especially when someone asks for help. Through offering a “Yes, and” response I’ve been able to build trust with those I serve. My intention is that this positive approach to leadership can offer courage and optimism to the people I serve. To be a Servant leader, I believe one must be able to see all the possibilities. Through responding to situations with a “Yes, and” attitude, I can pave the way for others to improve and engage with one another creatively. While it’s often much easier to say no, I’m not to going to settle for the easy way out. For me, the challenge lies with finding the right balance when saying yes. Saying yes too much has a dark side. This is something I continue to work on in my journey to be an emotionally intelligent Servant leader.

As I enter into the final week leading up to the BCFP Capstone Seminar, I am realizing more and more the power of improvisation. I’ve always been someone who carefully plans. For those Myers-Briggs enthusiasts, I am a strong J. However, as I connect back with Kevin and Abbey, I’m realizing that I must allow for time for improvisation. Through co-facilitating, I will think of stories and connections that inspire me as I build off the energy of the program participants and my co-facilitators. While this leaves me feeling slightly uncomfortable, it also makes me realize I couldn’t be more ready for the challenge. The challenge to stretch myself and to stretch others. With one week left I’m feeling anxious and excited.

Food for Thought:

1. How do you use improvisation in your leadership?
2. What is your experience of leaders who offer a “Yes, And” response?
3. When have you felt simultaneously excited and anxious? What was the outcome of this juxtaposition of emotions?