Yes, And

About the Author

Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton are influential figures at The Second City, a renowned improvisational comedy theater. Kelly Leonard, the executive vice president, has been with The Second City since 1988, overseeing productions featuring stars like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert. His deep involvement in the comedy world has made him an authority on the application of improvisational techniques beyond the stage. Leonard's work is characterized by a commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration, not just in entertainment but also in business and education.

Tom Yorton, CEO of Second City Works, joined the company in 2002, bringing his expertise in advertising and marketing to expand the application of improvisational techniques in the corporate world. Yorton's background in business, particularly in advertising, has equipped him with a unique perspective on how the principles of improv can enhance leadership and organizational effectiveness. Together, Leonard and Yorton have co-authored this insightful book, drawing from their vast experience to offer practical guidance on leveraging improv techniques to improve creativity, communication, and collaboration.

Main Idea

The book "Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses 'No, But' Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration" explores how the principles of improvisation, such as the "Yes, And" approach, ensemble building, and embracing failure, can be applied beyond the stage to enhance creativity, emotional intelligence, and leadership in business and personal life. The authors argue that these techniques are not only useful for performers but are also crucial for fostering innovation, adaptability, and effective communication in any context. By embracing the core tenets of improv, individuals and organizations can create more dynamic, supportive, and productive environments.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Power of Improvisation
2. Yes, And: The Foundation of Improv
3. Building an Ensemble
4. The Co-Creation Story
5. Embracing Failure
6. Follow the Follower
7. Listening: The Underestimated Skill
8. Change and Adaptation
9. Conclusion: Improv as a Life Skill

Yes, And: The Foundation of Improv

The principle of "Yes, And" is the cornerstone of improvisation. It encourages acceptance and builds on the contributions of others. In The Second City's context, this principle means affirming the ideas presented on stage and then expanding upon them. The same approach can transform business and personal interactions, fostering an environment where ideas are nurtured rather than dismissed. The authors explain,

"The best way to connect and engage new colleagues is to listen deeply and build on their ideas."

This approach not only fosters creativity but also helps build a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

"Yes, And" in practice include:

• In team meetings, acknowledging a colleague's idea and suggesting ways to enhance it, thereby creating a more inclusive and creative environment.
• In personal relationships, supporting a partner's decision while contributing additional perspectives, which can lead to more robust and harmonious solutions to problems.
• In leadership, encouraging employees to innovate without fear of immediate judgment, thereby fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement.

The "Yes, And" principle can be challenging to implement, especially in environments where "No" or "Yes, but" responses are the norm. However, adopting this mindset can significantly enhance communication and open up new possibilities for innovation and problem-solving. As Leonard and Yorton note,

"To build a Yes, And culture, you have to model Yes, And behavior."

This means being willing to support and build on others' ideas, even when they diverge from your own initial thoughts.

Building an Ensemble

An ensemble is more than just a team; it's a cohesive unit where every member's contribution is vital to the whole. The Second City emphasizes the importance of ensembles in their performances, where the collective effort leads to the best outcomes. This concept translates well into business environments, where collaboration and mutual respect are crucial for success. Leonard and Yorton argue that

"the need to be right is one of the biggest barriers to an ensemble approach."

They suggest that businesses should foster a culture where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute, thus allowing the group to thrive collectively.

Ensemble building involves several key elements: