What’s the drill for June 26th seeks to clear up a misconception about the phrase, “yes, and”.
When I first started improvising, I tried to apply the phrase, “yes, and” everywhere off-stage.
I can’t say no, I thought. I must “yes, and” everything. It pushed me to take more risks, to increase my learning and experiences and to learn more about myself. But it also made me feel a bit off-center and frankly…tired.
As one of my most favorite Improvisers and mentors likes to say, “saying YES, AND” to everything results in a messy life.
Instead, we as leaders, employees, friends, and people can see the phrase, “yes, and” as a mindset that allows us to more confidently trust our instincts and gut reactions. It allows us to withhold judgement, to be more accepting, open, patient, appreciative, collaborative, and even kinder.
We can practice the “yes, and” mindset to turn it into a habit – where we say yes to the things and ideas that fuel and inspire us, and become more accepting and supportive of the things that don’t. You get to choose.
