Between new technologies, shifting markets, and global instability, leaders today face constant change and are expected to be extremely adaptable, resilient and agile. But how do leaders actually cultivate these skills?
There’s no shortage of expert takes—type these keywords into Forbes’ search bar and you’ll find plenty—but for this month’s newsletter, I’m turning my attention to a different group of experts: improv comedians. After all, who better to learn from when it comes to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, collaborating with (scene) partners, and thinking on your feet?
With the return of Saturday Night Live—perhaps the most iconic sketch comedy show of all time—serving as inspiration, I looked to the traditions and tenets of improv for leadership guidance. (For those wondering: yes, I did revisit a smattering of iconic SNL clips in the name of research.)
The results of my inquiry were striking. Improv’s core principles offer powerful insights for anyone who needs to perform under pressure, navigate uncertainty, and lead with agility. So, in light of that synchronicity, here’s what happens when the rules of comedy are applied to the realities of business.
1. Commit to the Bit
An audience buys into a scene when the actors do. Employees, investors, and customers feel the same when leaders commit wholeheartedly to a vision, even in uncertain times.
2. Embody the ‘Yes, And’ Principle
This is the ultimate cornerstone of improv: accept what’s given (yes), then build on it (and). In business, that means recognizing the moment as it is, pivoting when circumstances change, and resisting the urge to force old solutions that don’t fit anymore. The same applies to new ideas—don’t reject them outright; iterate on them until you find what works.
3. Listen and Respond, Don’t Script
Great improv actors succeed by listening closely to their scene partners and responding in the moment. Unlike scripted actors, they do not have lines to fall back on or a director’s vision to execute. For leaders, this translates to active listening and radical presence in the workplace. As leaders, you must anchor your vision in the bigger picture, but we must also remain flexible and adjust to what the present moment requires at any given time.
4. Make Your Partner Look Good
In improv, success comes from elevating your scene partner. The best scenes happen when each person embraces others’ unique contributions, assumes positive intent, and plays off their ideas rather than against them. In business, the same holds true. Teams thrive when leaders prioritize collaboration, empower their colleagues, and share credit for success.
5. Embrace the Next Challenge
Failure isn’t an option in improv. Missteps are simply the byproduct of experimentation and risk-taking, and without risk, the jokes would fall flat. To achieve true agility in business, leaders must reframe failure as iteration and practice recovering quickly, so they’re ready for the next challenge ahead. Instead of focusing on your failures, focus on your future.
Some of improv’s core lessons provide a surprisingly solid foundation for leaders navigating volatility. On the improv stage, participants must be radically present and ready to respond to whatever comes their way—no matter how unexpected or absurd. When the script goes out the window, what matters most is the willingness to step in with presence. Trust that you have the creativity, confidence, and clarity needed to improvise
This article was originally published in our newsletter, The Yard Line. To subscribe to future newsletters, scroll down to our footer or click the subscribe button below.