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: Taxes
This week’s word, “Taxes” was suggested by Donny.
The wealthiest man in the world, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, allegedly paid zero tax in 2020.
But rich people don’t pay less tax because they’re cheaters. They pay less because they know how to play the game.
Or at least their accountants do. Navigating the ever-changing and complicated world of tax law is a full-time job. So if you’ve got the money, it makes sense to hire someone to help you keep more of it, legally
Whether this is fair is another story. The point is, you have to know the rules before you can take advantage of them.
In business this applies to profit as well as to your most valuable asset of all, people.
The basic rules of human behaviour around communication, collaboration, teamwork, listening, and building on each others’s ideas, can be almost as complicated as tax law.
But once you have a clear understanding of how things can work, unforetold riches abound.
And one of the best ways to grow your people is to train them in the art of improvisation. Hiring an improv trainer is like hiring a good accountant. The best ones will help you make more, save more and keep more of what (or who) you already have.
These days unhappy staff are less likely to revolt and more likely to quit. And when they go your IP goes out the door with them, no matter how good an NDA they may have signed.
And the cost to replace them is high, as much as 33% of their salary on average, and over 150% in some C-suite instances.
Advertising, recruiting, interviewing, screening, hiring, onboarding, and training add up.
But the cultural cost can be even higher. Whenever someone leaves, others take time to ask why. And if things start to snowball, it can be disastrous.
The bottom line is improv training can improve your bottom line. Especially when everyone from the top down participates.
And it will make work more fun for everyone. Yes, I know “fun” may not be your main objective, but happy employees are more healthy, productive, creative, and collaborative.
The labor market is tight and employee retention has never been more important. Building a fun and functional workplace will help attract talent, keep talent, and reduce your productivity tax.
Navigating the ever-changing and complicated world of humans, especially humans that work together is a full-time job. So if you’ve got the money, it makes sense to hire someone to help you keep more of it, legally.
There are lots of companies who claim their business workshops are the best. But if you want real results you can see on your balance sheet, and you don’t want to set your company up as a “double Irish with a Dutch sandwich,” PowerProv is a great place to start.
So that’s my take on Taxes. Thanks for the great suggestion Donny.
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.
September 5, 2016 · Season 45 : One Word Suggestion · Episode 45
One Word Suggestion: Taxes
By Eran Thomson
Taxes - The basic rules of human behaviour around communication, collaboration, teamwork, and listening can be almost as complicated as tax law.
Leave a Reply