1What is Improvisation (Improv)?
Improv means actively listening and reacting without pre-planning. It encourages us to be adaptable. We do this throughout the day – E.G. Forced to make a decision without all of the facts, being put on the spot, negotiating a deal, the list goes on. By using the core principles of improvisation – collaboration, communication, creativity and fun – we can react more flexibly and spontaneously while at the same time build our confidence. In the current economic environment, individuals are expected to be highly adaptable and rise to many unseen challenges.
2How Does Improvisation Help with Teambuilding & Team Dynamics in the Workplace?
Improvisation helps individuals to respect other team member’s creativity and ideas. It allows them to cohesively and constructively work in collaboration as part of a team. Participants quickly realise that collaboration is key to success. It’s new, exciting and really pushes people out of their comfort zone, with the results of engagement and productivity taken to a higher level. Improvisation helps people understand the dynamics of human interaction and fosters self-awareness. Improvisation also gives us the opportunity to get out of our heads and get in the moment.
None of the exercises involve competition. Participants quickly realise that they are all in the same boat regardless of title, position in company or length of service. Not only is that the path of least resistance to collaborate with peers but a new understanding of trust in the workplace emerges.
For more info on why Improv and Team Dynamics work so well, check out this article here.
3Why work with Neil?
Neil is a veteran improviser with over 10 years of improv experience and 20 years of corporate management experience in the multinational sector, including senior management level. Neil has taught improv to a number of organisations around the world. His signature show, Neil+1, has been performed to much acclaim around the world. Neil holds a Masters in Training & Education as well as being a qualified Executive Coach.
4Who is Neil?
About Neil
Neil Curran specialises in the areas of Team Building & Collaboration, Effective Team Development, People Management, Public Speaking & Presenting, Executive Presence, Effective Communication & Influencing, Creativity & Innovation, Spontaneity, Confidence Coaching, Leadership, Adaptability & Dealing with Change and Improvisation Skills in Business.
Neil has 20 years of management and corporate experience in an international context. He has led teams global teams for 18 years having held a senior leadership position in the Irish subsidiary of a multinational organisation. Neil is associate faculty for the Irish Management Institute and is also a team member of The Core Story Ltd, providing story and strategy consulting and training to clients across the globe.
Neil is a Professional Improviser and stage performer, which brings a unique energy and practical approach to his work. Neil has performed his signature improv show, Neil+1, to audiences around the world. He is also the Founder and Director of Improv Fest Ireland and Assistant Director of Improv Utopia Ireland.
Neil has a Masters in Training & Education with his Masters Dissertation focusing on Improvisation as a Training Method to Develop Effective Teams in the Workplace with a Focus on Promoting Confidence, Interpersonal Skills and Relationship Building. He is also a qualified Executive Coach with EQi Certification and an experienced MC and Speaker.
Neil has regularly appeared on national TV and in numerous national newspapers over the years providing thought leadership in his field including; Newstalk, Irish Times, RTÉ and TV3 (now Virgin Media One).
