The "Yes, and" Approach
“Yes, Rachel, and…”
This is what I like to hear especially when looking for creative solutions. It’s when the first person offers a suggestion, you agree, then add your ideas to the mix. However, far more common is when people respond with “yes, but…” This type of response signals that you’re rejecting at least some part of the other person’s idea and tends to limit creativity.
In The Muse this month, they talk about applying this common improv technique to communication in the workplace. For instance, here are some improv techniques that can really come in handy when you’re trying to communicate with co-workers, bosses or employees:
😎 Active listening — If you want to build on the conversation, you have to really pay attention to what’s being said.
😎 Body language — Noticing and using non-verbal cues is an essential part of communication.
😎 Build on others’ ideas — This is where “yes, and” comes in. Agreeing with co-workers makes them feel heard. Adding to what they say furthers the conversation.
Finding proactive and creative ways to communicate can be a really good thing in a professional environment. I’m not saying you should necessarily take an improv class, but adopting some of these tactics may give you an advantage.
