We discovered the Improv Matrix© while attempting to quantify and define the simple rules improvisers follow while performing. When we look at self organizing complex adaptive systems, we talk about free agents following simple rules creating complex behaviors. Improv theater is an adaptive theater form and, as such, we think it is a good metaphor for the idea of complexity. We hope that the concept of Improv World will further serve as a metaphor for thinking like an improviser.
We tried to imagine what kind of people would inhabit each of the four worlds. The lower right quadrant suggested all sorts of well-meaning inattentive people. The Absent Minded Professor and the Parent too preoccupied to listen to their children seemed to live there.
The lower left quadrant was harder to imagine. The Nostalgic Cynic always complaining how things will never be as good as in the old days was a strong image. For some reason Tech Support also came up in this world.
The upper left quadrant was not a hard one to imagine. We all know someone who lives in this world. Experts, Prophets, Leaders, and sometimes we find ourselves there.
Improv World seemed to us a place where we wanted to spend some time.
We started thinking about what kind of attributes would make a good citizen of this world. Additive, collaborative, adaptive came to mind. We looked at some of the simple rules that make improvisation work: be present; take chances; listen; make choices; allow yourself to be changed; risk failure; and say yes.
All very well and good in a make believe world. But what about the real world? We teach beginning improvisers that the stage is a safe place. A place where imaginary dangers can be faced without any real risk. Beginners are still afraid to face the monsters even though they're imaginary. So how do we create safe places in the real world? In life saying yes can be very dangerous. In business failure can lead to disaster. Yet the rate of change has accelerated to the point where we can't always plan for every contingency. We have to improvise with increasing regularity.
This idea is of great interest to us. Our process of discovery about the application of the improv mindset beyond the stage continues. Stay tuned folks, we think we're on to something here. This is a work in progress.
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