The School of Creativity and Innovation is thrilled to share the incredible experience we had during our recent workshops on “Tools for Collaboration in Virtual Teams”. Over two dynamic sessions, we explored the transformative power of improv to enhance communication and collaboration in the virtual workspace. The energy and engagement from all participants made these workshops truly memorable, and we are grateful for all those who were able to join. Here are the three tools we introduced in our workshop that can benefit you and your organization.

The Power of “Yes, and…”

Our journey began with the foundational improv concept of “Yes, and…”. This simple yet powerful technique teaches us to accept and build on the ideas of others, fostering a culture of openness and creativity. Participants quickly discovered how this approach can break down barriers and enhance teamwork, especially in virtual settings where communication can sometimes feel disconnected.

Takeaway: In any team, especially virtual ones, embracing a “Yes, and…” mindset encourages more inclusive and productive discussions. Everyone has ideas and wants to be heard. This exercise and tool helps team members feel heard and valued, leading to more innovative solutions.

Let’s take a deeper dive with Galen Emanuel.

Emotional Mirror

Next, we utilized the Emotional Mirror exercise, a non-verbal activity that emphasizes the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence. By mirroring each other’s expressions and body language, participants learned to better understand and connect with their colleagues’ emotions. This exercise was particularly eye-opening as it highlighted how much we communicate beyond words.

Takeaway: Emotional intelligence is crucial in maintaining strong team dynamics, particularly in virtual teams where non-verbal cues are often lost. We all have days that are up and down. Practicing empathy and being attuned to the emotional states of team members can significantly improve communication and collaboration.

Confidence and Influence

We then explored the concepts of Confidence and Influence through engaging improv exercises. The Expert Speaker activity allowed participants to practice speaking confidently on a variety of topics, boosting their self-assurance. The Emotional Swap exercise further demonstrated how our presence and emotional expressions can influence others, reinforcing the importance of confident communication.

Takeaway: Confidence and influence are key attributes of effective leaders. We are often asked to respond in the moment and at any given time and building these skills through improv can help individuals become more persuasive and inspiring, fostering a more collaborative and motivated team environment.

Engaging Through Improv

Using the lens of improv to engage participants and practice these concepts proved to be an incredibly effective method. Improv encourages spontaneity, adaptability, and creativity — skills that are essential for thriving in a virtual team environment. The interactive nature of the exercises kept everyone engaged and provided practical, hands-on experience in applying these tools.

Takeaway: Improv is a powerful tool for team building and professional development. It provides a fun and engaging way to develop essential POWER SKILLS, making it easier for participants to internalize and apply what they’ve learned.

Engaging Through Improv

Using the lens of improv to engage participants and practice these concepts proved to be an incredibly effective method. Improv encourages spontaneity, adaptability, and creativity — skills that are essential for thriving in a virtual team environment. The interactive nature of the exercises kept everyone engaged and provided practical, hands-on experience in applying these tools.

Takeaway: Improv is a powerful tool for team building and professional development. It provides a fun and engaging way to develop essential POWER SKILLS, making it easier for participants to internalize and apply what they’ve learned.

Reflections and Moving Forward

The enthusiasm and active participation in these workshops were truly inspiring. It was evident that everyone found value in the exercises and discussions, and many shared how they plan to integrate these tools into their own teams. The ability to communicate effectively, collaborate creatively, and lead with confidence are skills that will benefit any organization.

Final Thoughts: For those who couldn’t join us, I encourage you to explore the principles of improv as a means to enhance your team’s communication and collaboration. Whether you’re working in a virtual environment or face-to-face, these techniques can help create a more cohesive, innovative, and supportive team culture.

For Those Looking To Level Up: Look Out for Our Upcoming Course

The School of Creativity and Innovation is excited to announce that we are preparing to launch our “Improv for Communication and Collaboration” course this September! This comprehensive program will expand on these and many other concepts, providing even more tools and strategies to transform your professional interactions. Stay tuned for more details and be ready to take your communication and collaboration skills to the next level.

Thank you to everyone who participated and made these workshops a success. Let’s continue to apply these learnings and strive for excellence in our virtual collaborations. Stay tuned for more exciting sessions from The School of Creativity and Innovation! Adaina Plaza, M.Sc. (UX Design) Amelia Bartlett Chavon M. Howard Chris Maltezos Clara Villanueva David Spisak Eric Douthirt Emily Hashagen James Doherty II Joseph P. Eberhard Julie McCoy, MBA Olivia Mansion, M.A., M.S. Celia Hagerman, CFRE Jose Yantas Larshá Johnson The School of Creativity and Innovation The School of Creativity and Innovation