Welcome to One Word Suggestion.
Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.
One Word Suggestion: Batteries
This week’s word, “Batteries” was suggested by Keith.
This suggestion actually came in a few weeks ago, but I saved it up for today because we have some news.
This podcast has, up until this episode, been brought to you by LMA Professional Development – Australia’s best improv-based corporate training.
But, LMA recently rebranded to PowerProv, and so, you know. Batteries. Power… you get the idea. So if you’re a long time listener, or just checking out your first episode, head on over to powerprov.com to see all the fun team building activities on offer, including new online workshops for business teams.
And with that, let’s get back to “batteries.”
In this modern age, it’s easier than ever to learn how to do just about anything and everything. Just Google a how-to guide, find a tutorial on YouTube, or sign up for Skillshare. And there are a hundred more ways to learn and develop a new capability.
But just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Learning to do everything on your own takes time, energy, and definitely drains your batteries.
These days we tend to wear fatigue, stress, and busy-ness as a badge. But all it really means is we’re not using our personal power wisely, and perhaps have become powerless to focus on what we really want to do or change that deserves our attention and energy.
Instead, I suggest you find the thing or things you’re great at, and focus on those. Dan Sullivan from Strategic Coach calls this your “Unique Ability.”
Focus energy on your positive strengths, not your negative weaknesses. To do this effectively it helps to have other people around you with different strengths and unique abilities.
Even people who appear outwardly to be successful solo mavericks have teams of people collaborating and contributing their power to a shared common goal.
Bill Gates didn’t make the worlds most famous operating system alone. Elon Musk isn’t on the factory floor wielding a wrench. And Zuckerberg could not have built the shittiest social media platform without thousands of helpers choosing to give their energy to his disappointing vision.
The point is real power is collective power. When you work together as an ensemble you really are stronger.
So remember, how you spend your power or energy is important. Who you spend it with is important. And what you spend it on is important. Don’t deplete your batteries by focussing on the wrong things.
To quote Dan Sullivan again, ask yourself who, not how. Who can help you get things done, instead of how you can get it done, or how you can learn something new to get it done yourself.
No matter how big your goal, learning to work with your team, to communicate and collaborate effectively, will make you more powerful. Like an entire field full of Tesla batteries.
And nothing recharges your communication and collaboration skills like PowerProv’s fun team building activities.
So that’s my take on Batteries. Thanks for the great suggestion Keith.
Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.
Or better yet, listen to the podcast.
And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.
You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au
Eran Thomson is the Founder of Zuper Superannuation, Laugh-Masters Academy, PowerProv, Comedy & Co, and the Australian Improv Festival.
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.
Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.
- 🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
- Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
- Get notified when a new episode drops
- Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
- Book a workshop
Like what you hear? Listen to Eran’s guest appearances on other people’s podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.
Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.
Leave a Reply