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: Firetruck.
Quick! What’s a word that starts with F and ends with U-C-K?
That’s right… Firetruck!
This week’s word, “Firetruck” was suggested by Katie.
Given the current environmental (and political) climate at the moment, this suggestion shouldn’t be a surprise.
As I sit here in Sydney, Australia is on fire. Political leaders continue to choose ignorance and denial over science and facts. And the government response to this foreseeable and preventable tragedy can only be described as inept.
And yet, in this sad story, there are heroes. Firefighters, many of them volunteers, who are out there risking their lives to save our forests, our homes, our nation.
These legends get weeks and weeks of training. And yet, no matter how much training they’ve had, how much intel they get, or how well prepared they are, they never know what to expect until their firetruck gets where it’s going.
And for this reason, I consider firefighters to be awesome improvisers.
And I’m not the only one.
To quote from a 2013 MC Journal report:
“The notion of improvisation is often associated with artistic performance. Nonetheless, it is integral to making effectual responses during natural catastrophes.’
“Extreme events present unforeseen conditions and problems, requiring a need for adaptation, creativity, and improvisation while demanding efficient and rapid delivery of services under harsh conditions.”
“Catastrophes present us with unexpected scenarios and require quick, on the spot problem-solving.”
To quote one firefighter, “Even if you plan for a bushfire, it is not going to go to plan. When the wind changes direction there has to be a new plan.”
When firefighters arrive on the scene they need to be open and willing to respond to any scenario and move forward as a cohesive unit towards their common goal.
This not only takes courage, but it also takes a practised ability to react, adapt, and communicate.
Whether they’re dealing with a national park going up in flames, or a confused cat stuck in a tall tree, improvisation is part of every firefighter’s toolkit. And it should be in yours as well.
Because the truth is, there will always be little fires at work you need help putting out. And using the same improvisational expertise firefighters have can help you deal with them.
Sometimes what feels like an emergency or a big problem is a simple misunderstanding. In fact, miscommunication, or a lack of communication is one of the biggest issues we see in our work.
So if things are heating up and making you sweat, think of improv training as a giant fire hose, capable of washing away issues that could be holding you or your business back.
And while our heroic firefighters spend their days and nights dragging their heavy hoses and dripping sweat on the fire front, the rest of us here on the home front (or office front), should not only do what we can to support them from afar but perhaps try and be a bit more like them.
Because they’re not just awesome improvisers, they’re heroes.
Wires have been rescuing and caring for wildlife for over 30 years and are the largest animal rescue organisation in Australia – and with all the fires, they need your support more now than ever.
Learn more at www.wires.org.au.
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.
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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.
April 15, 2016 · Season 1 : One Word Suggestion · Episode 37
One Word Suggestion: Firetruck
Even if you plan for a bushfire, it is not going to go to plan. When the wind changes direction there has to be a new plan. And when plans fail, you must improvise.
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