Trust issues? Try improv…

During my time leading teams in a large global product manufacturing organization, I had the unforgettable opportunity to spend three days immersed in improv-for‑leadership training led by Second City Works—the professional development and corporate training arm of Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe.

Their Team‑Building Workshops & Coaching are designed around the foundational improv principle of “Yes, and...,” coupled with cultivating trust through practices like “I’ve got your back.” Throughout the sessions, we engaged in storytelling on our feet, adapted to shifting tones and pacing exercises, practiced delivering messages with varied styles, and experimented with purposeful hand gestures—all within a fun, safe environment designed to bolster clear team communication and adaptability.

These activities didn’t just hone our skills in high-pressure moments—they helped us let down our guard, lean into playfulness, and reinforce a committed, supportive team dynamic. Even now, I credit our improved listening, engagement, and collaboration as the most meaningful outcomes of this experience. You can explore more about these immersive, improv-based corporate workshops through Second City Works. secondcity.com+4secondcity.com+4secondcity.com+4

Try it out:

If you'd like to dive further into how these techniques can transform team culture or explore specific offerings, here’s a great place to start learning more: Second City Works: Team‑Building Workshops & Coaching. secondcity.com