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Home > Business > Training > Creativity > Improvisation for Teams (Or use your Back button to return to the previous page.)
Non-Traditional Approaches to Leadership
In a nation known for its rugged individualism, the modern American organization is now discovering the great value of working together skillfully as a team. Teamwork can be especially challenging in an environment where competitive practices have traditionally been the norm. It is possible, however, to learn strategies for collaboration that lead to increased flexibility and greater productivity.
This workshop teaches the "art" of being a team player. Participants draw from a rich palate of improvisational exercises and games that teach shared control, "when to lead/when to follow," strategies for "making your partner look good," and a non-confrontational approach to different styles of working. Through these shared experiences, participants gain a greater sense of their own interdependency and a greater appreciation of the value of taking care of one another. The work often inspires laughter.
Stanford University drama professor Patricia Ryan Madson has taught improvisation to more than a thousand working adults. She has provided workshops and in- service training for Hewlett Packard, Adobe Systems, Price Waterhouse, and Apple, among others. She is the founder and coordinator of Stanford's Creativity Initiative and has been a keynote speaker at Duke University's East Asian Colloquium, Sun Microsystems' Japanese branch, and the Meaningful Life Therapy group in Kyoto, Japan. Her work combines techniques from both Eastern and Western disciplines.
Successful team building is most effective when done over a period of time rather than in a single day. Although this program is available in a single, intensive format, it is more often delivered in its extended version; for example, a two-hour class weekly for up to ten weeks.
Designed for any organizational team that would benefit from a more creative approach to group decision making and problem solving. Of particular benefit to organizations engaged in change initiatives. Includes physical activities designed to accommodate all levels of physical mobility, stamina, and strength. No previous training in improvisation necessary.
Available either as an independent workshop or as part of a FutureU learning expedition, at your work site or other location. Groups experienced in online conferencing may wish to incorporate some pre- and post-workshop discussion led by Ms. Ryan, who is a trained online facilitator. Optional readings may also be made available online.
Patricia Ryan will work with you to customize this program to your organization's unique needs.
Copyright © 1997-2004 by Gail Terry Grimes and Claude Whitmyer. All rights reserved. Published by FutureU.