Build Each Other Up
Tuesday Musings Vol. 2 | No. 22
I remember learning a valuable — and hopefully well-known — lesson from my wife many years ago when she went through an improv program with The Groundlings. Improv is not just great for performers but also for business leaders. If you hear a co-worker or collaborator use the phrase "yes, and..." (instead of the toxic "yes, but..."), you know s/he has been through an improv class that teaches the importance of continuing a story instead of blocking it.
Improv also teaches the all-important skill of listening. If you do what many of us are instinctively used to doing, which is trying to come up with the next (funny, witty, wise) thing to say instead of listening to what your scene partner is saying, you'll fail.
This is all great level 1 stuff. Ready for level 2?
I was talking about improv with a good friend recently, and she described it this way: "Improv is building the other person up and waiting for them to build you up."
Wow. Think about that for a second. What a great way to think about ALL creative collaboration. What a great way to think about ALL interpersonal relationships! If you're facing a challenging client or a frustrated spouse or a demanding editor, think about what you can give them to build them up.
What you'll get back will surprise you.
love,
jpp
Cool Stuff
Very excited to share that my daughter Paloma Tangerine has committed to the University of New Hampshire for the Fall of 2024. She intends to double major in Marine Biology and Art History. Her mom and I are incredibly proud. In honor of that news, here’s a cool photography event called 100 for the Ocean — 100 photographers and artists selling prints for $100, with 100% of the net proceeds supporting nonprofits focused on ocean advocacy and action. Below is Emmett Sparling’s “A Slice of Heaven in the Tuamotus.”
My wife and I totally wanted to go to see Sensorio: Paso Robles last season but couldn’t fit it into our crazy schedule. I definitely want to see it this year. Who’s in?
Maybe you’ve seen certain artists who take a child’s drawing and re-render it more realistic or turn it into a stuffed animal. I love that stuff, so I was particularly drawn to this Estonian public work by the design studio Velvet in collaboration with UN-LIKE.
Vintage furniture and suitcases transformed into miniature houses? I’m IN.
