One Word Suggestion - Improv Inspiration

Welcome to One Word SuggestionHosted by: Eran ThomsonThis week's word is: DolphinsListen on Google Podcasts | Apple PodcastsSuggest a wordFollow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TwitterRead on MediumLearn more at PowerprovConnect with Eran: Personal Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedinBook a workshopLearn more:PowerProvPowerProv Improv Training for Business Teams powerprov.com.auLaugh-Masters AcademyAustralia's Home of Improv and Sketch Comedylaugh-masters.com.auShow notes:Links: Eran Thomson on The Light Inside podcast with Jeffrey BeseckerThis podcast is intentionally short and sweet, so don't expect too much from the notes. We will, of course, share links and details of things discussed in individual episodes as appropriate - and that's about it. The main thing to know is every episode of this show starts with a one-word suggestion, and there's no reason the next one couldn’t come from you.As long as its not "dildo." Transcript:Dolphins are widely agreed to be one of the most intelligent species on the planet. Anyone who's seen the TV show "Flipper" knows that their level of individual intellect - and sense of humor - is high.They have been known to save the lives of other animals and stranded swimmers, they know how to use shells and sea sponges as tools, and they've even run secret missions for the US Navy.But part of what makes dolphins so super smart is they almost always choose to hang out in pods. Like experienced improvisers, they understand that together they have a better chance of thriving and surviving.By having each other's backs (or dorsal fins as the case may be) and supporting each other in their own undersea world.As a group, they can find more fish, warn each other about predators in nearby waters, and when necessary, find safe harbor.Most of the time when we see dolphins they're surfing waves with glee. Or enjoying a feeding frenzy amongst a pool of less fortunate fish. Or showing strong leadership skills at the bow of a boat.Despite the ever-increasing number of threats to their existence like plastics, petroleum, JetSkis, ghost nets, and hungry sharks, they continually play to the top of their intelligence.Above the sea, we humans have our own challenges. So what can we learn from Dolphins?We're better when we work together - good communication and collaboration skills are critical.We're better when we learn together - sharing knowledge, experience and expertise without ego is key.We're better when we play together - unstructured adult playtime is critical to our happiness and success.And if we get good at these things, we'll thrive together - by supporting each other's actions, choices, and ideas.The life of a dolphin may look playful and carefree, but under the waves, they tackle daily challenges just like we do. But by arguably having an improvisational ensemble mindset they vastly increase their odds of survival and success as a species.Predators and problems will always be round, but by using their collaborative powers dolphins are able to navigate through the sea of life and arrive in their happy place.And so can you.Thanks for all the fish.---The ideas, observations, and perspectives shared here are mine alone. I’d love to hear yours in the comments, or better yet in a review.★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onewordsuggestion.substack.com

Welcome to One Word SuggestionHosted by: Eran ThomsonThis week's word is: CandyListen on Google Podcasts | Apple PodcastsSuggest a wordFollow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TwitterRead on MediumLearn more at PowerprovConnect with Eran: Personal Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedinBook a workshopLearn more:PowerProvPowerProv Improv Training for Business Teams powerprov.com.auLaugh-Masters AcademyAustralia's Home of Improv and Sketch Comedylaugh-masters.com.auShow notes:This podcast is intentionally short and sweet, so don't expect too much from the notes. We will, of course, share links and details of things discussed in individual episodes as appropriate - and that's about it. The main thing to know is every episode of this show starts with a one-word suggestion, and there's no reason the next one couldn't come from you.As long as it’s not "dildo." Transcript:When it comes to candy, things can go from good to gross real fast.Halloween is proof of this. And some of us (ahem) have to learn the same lesson every year. Too much of a sweet thing corrupts.I'll buy an entire bag of mini Snickers and demolish the entire thing before any of the kids I bought it for come around in costume.I don't feel bad for them. They got bag loads of candy. I feel bad for me. Because now I have to do something good and healthy, fast, like yoga or hitting the gym to offset the inevitable belly bulge.The challenge is to not stop off at the store and get a new bag on the way home.Because one of the things I love the most about the candy aisle is the diversity of choice. So many flavours, coatings, crunches, nuts, fillings, shapes, sizes, colours. It can be overwhelming to see them all sitting there. Sometimes you know exactly what you're looking for, other times making a choice can be hard.One thing is for sure, just as there are endless types of candy, they are also endless types of people who love it. And love it differently. We all have different tastes formed by our unique cultural experiences and differences.You love Violet Crunch? I think it tastes like Styrofoam. I like Reese's peanut butter cups. You might think they taste like waxy sludge. But there are enough people who like them both to keep them stocked on shelves around the world.Because every candy bar has something unique to offer the world. Just like the people who consume them.The trick is to get good at appreciating and understanding the differences. (Almost Joy's got nuts, Mounds don't.) Then you can start to make informed choices. But until you've tried all the flavours, you can't assume you know or understand what each candy is all about.The same goes for the people you work with every day. Sure some of them might be sweet and easy to enjoy spending time with. And others might be a bit sour and less to your liking, but they all have something unique to offer.This is never more clear to me than in every single improv class ever. Without fail, every class starts with strangers and ends with best friends. Because improv creates a safe space where people can reveal their authentic selves. And authenticity is the sweetest of all human traits.So look for the sweetness in yourself and each other. And if you need help, an improv workshop can create a safe space where you and all your staff can discover, appreciate, and enjoy all the different personalities in your office. And just about everywhere else.Except maybe the dentist.---The ideas, observations, and perspectives shared here are mine alone. I’d love to hear yours in the comments, or better yet in a review.★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onewordsuggestion.substack.com

Welcome to One Word SuggestionHosted by: Eran ThomsonThis week's word is: TaxesListen on Google Podcasts | Apple PodcastsSuggest a wordFollow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TwitterRead on MediumLearn more at PowerprovConnect with Eran: Personal Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedinBook a workshopLearn more:PowerProvPowerProv Improv Training for Business Teams powerprov.com.auLaugh-Masters AcademyAustralia's Home of Improv and Sketch Comedylaugh-masters.com.auShow notes:Links:https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2019/05/09/the-cost-of-turnover-can-kill-your-business-and-make-things-less-fun/?sh=487530067943This podcast is intentionally short and sweet, so don't expect too much from the notes. We will, of course, share links and details of things discussed in individual episodes as appropriate - and that's about it. The main thing to know is every episode of this show starts with a one-word suggestion, and there's no reason the next one couldn’t come from you.As long as its not "dildo." Transcript: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, legallyWhether 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 behavior around communication, collaboration, teamwork, listening, and building on each other'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.---The ideas, observations, and perspectives shared here are mine alone. I’d love to hear yours in the comments, or better yet in a review.★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onewordsuggestion.substack.com

Welcome to One Word SuggestionHosted by: Eran ThomsonThis week's word is: ElectionListen on Google Podcasts | Apple PodcastsSuggest a wordFollow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TwitterRead on MediumLearn more at PowerprovConnect with Eran: Personal Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedinBook a workshopLearn more:PowerProvPowerProv Improv Training for Business Teams powerprov.com.auLaugh-Masters AcademyAustralia's Home of Improv and Sketch Comedylaugh-masters.com.auShow notes:Links: George Bush: Fool me once (https://youtu.be/JhmdEq3JhoY?t=111)Donald Trump's 30,000+ lies: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-fact-checker-tracked-trump-claims/2021/01/23/ad04b69a-5c1d-11eb-a976-bad6431e03e2_story.htmlThis podcast is intentionally short and sweet, so don't expect too much from the notes. We will, of course, share links and details of things discussed in individual episodes as appropriate - and that's about it. The main thing to know is every episode of this show starts with a one-word suggestion, and there's no reason the next one couldn’t come from you.As long as its not "dildo." Transcript:When George Bush Junior was elected President of the United States, I was in Bali, happy to be far away as political power was passing from father to son.On the day after the election, I was in a cab headed to meet a friend for breakfast. And as one often does, found myself discussing politics with my driver.I shared that I was surprised by the election results to which the cabbie responded, "the whole world understands. Most countries have leaders who do not represent the needs, wants or wishes of their nation's people."He went on, "but if America elects him to a second term, you will lose the respect of the world."Fool me twice hey?My Balinese driver was right. In recent years, America has, by many accounts become less of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.In fact, the "people" doing best in America these days aren't people at all. They're corporations with the same legal rights as people. And as such they have lobbied and bought their way into politics and elections, putting profits before people and planet.Factor in social media meddling and the odd bit of kompromat and the election discourse can quickly devolve into a meaningless mess. Love him or hate him, Trump is proof of this.When I wrote this Trump had just become the first US president to be impeached twice, COVID 19 was and still is on a killing spree, and the planet is in peril. Now more than ever we need elected officials who can bring people together. Who can work together. And who can make meaningful and fast change.Most governments, I hope we'd agree, should strive to make the world a better, easier, and happier place for their people. To create communities where everyone can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and reach their fullest potential. And at the very least, feel safe.But the mechanisms required to keep any form of government in place, in power, and operating in the interests of the people, or at least pretending to, are complex and often confusing.And if you look around the globe, you may observe that most elected officials don't appear to be doing a very good job.Representation of the people by the people, for the people, is a withering ideal. And in many parts of the planet, the concept has yet to even sprout.The need for personal power and control is so strong, it all too frequently usurps common sense, and prevents politicians from putting aside their differences and working together for the common good.One solution might be to teach the skills of communication and collaboration early. Make learning to say "Yes, and" as important as learning the Pledge of Allegiance. Make learning to listen a requirement for high-school graduation. And ingrain the idea that "We" is always more powerful than "Me."These are some of the basic takeaways of improvisation training. Am I claiming that an improv workshop could help save the world? Yes, I am.The idea of improvisational leadership doesn't mean everyone makes stuff up, or worse, lying. It means behaving authentically, truthfully and confidently. And working together to tackle our greatest challenges from pandemics to a planet in peril.The impending demise of democracy demands it.Imagine if, like an ensemble of trained improvisers, our political leaders could actively listen to each other.Imagine if they could accept and build on our suggestions.Imagine if they could incorporate and align the agendas of other elected officials with their own.Imagine if they could embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and development, rather than blame and cover-ups.Imagine if our elected representatives could agree to always make each other look good, support each other's actions, choices and decisions, and work collaboratively for the benefit of all, not just themselves. Or their donors.The men and women we elect form part of a large ensemble (link) whose job is to perform for the people. And politicians, like all performers, need skills and training to do their job well.The same goes for the people playing politics inside your business.That person who puts everyone else's work down to big up themselves. Or the person who constantly interrupts. Or the group of gossipers who are definitely talking smack about you.Little cancers like these, like Trump's big lie, can eat away at psychological safety and destroy your business from within. And one of the best ways to get everyone communicating, collaborating, and moving forward as an ensemble toward a brighter future is improv training.And that's something I think we can all vote for regardless of political party.---The ideas, observations, and perspectives shared here are mine alone. I’d love to hear yours in the comments, or better yet in a review.★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onewordsuggestion.substack.com

Welcome to One Word SuggestionHosted by: Eran ThomsonThis week's word is: TicklesListen on Google Podcasts | Apple PodcastsSuggest a wordFollow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TwitterRead on MediumLearn more at PowerprovConnect with Eran: Personal Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedinBook a workshopLearn more:PowerProvPowerProv Improv Training for Business Teams powerprov.com.auLaugh-Masters AcademyAustralia's Home of Improv and Sketch Comedylaugh-masters.com.auShow notes:Links:BBC ArticleWikipediaThis podcast is intentionally short and sweet, so don't expect too much from the notes. We will, of course, share links and details of things discussed in individual episodes as appropriate - and that's about it. The main thing to know is every episode of this show starts with a one-word suggestion, and there's no reason the next one couldn’t come from you.As long as its not "dildo." Transcript:Do you like being tickled?Turns out people are pretty evenly divided on the subject. One-third hate it, another third are meh, and a third are really into it.But what's the point of humans being ticklish if two-thirds of people just don't like being touched that way?One theory is that it's a way for us to learn self-defenses from a young age. some of the most ticklish places on the body also happen to be the most vulnerable areas during hand-to-hand combat. So ticklishness might confer an evolutionary advantage designed to help us protect our vital organs.But no matter how good one might get at fighting off fists and feathers, there have been times throughout history when tickling was intentionally used as torture.The Chinese reserved tickle torture as punishment for nobility since it left no marks and a victim could recover relatively easily and quickly. The Japanese would allegedly dip victim's feet in salt water and let goats lick them. And the Nazis used goose feathers to tickle their unfortunate prisoners.Even my parents were tickle torturers. When I was a kid they used to hold me down and tickle me as punishment. They called it the "Hermie Fermie," and even though I was laughing, I hated it. A spanking might have been preferred.For this reason, I got good at turning my ticklishness off. Which at least one girlfriend has been less than impressed by. Why? Because aside from torture, tickles can be a playful, fun, and even sexy way to make a connection.Even if we don't want tickles, we crave connection, not just in the bedroom, but everywhere. Perhaps most of all where we spend most of our time. At work.I'm definitely not suggesting you go around tickling people at the office. But there are lots of little ways you can make meaningful, and even playful connections with your colleagues.The easiest way to start is not with a feather but with your eyes - eye contact.Another one that can take more practice than you might think is listening.A third is learning to laugh at your mistakes and embrace failure as an opportunity to move forward together with your team.And guess what? PowerProv's fun team building workshops will help you and your colleagues get great at all three.Our specially trained facilitators will deliver a workshop filled with tools, ideas, insights and of course laughter. No feather required.---The ideas, observations, and perspectives shared here are mine alone. I’d love to hear yours in the comments, or better yet in a review.★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onewordsuggestion.substack.com

Welcome to One Word Suggestion Hosted by: Eran ThomsonThis week's word is: BatteriesListen on Google Podcasts | Apple PodcastsSuggest a wordFollow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TwitterRead on MediumLearn more at PowerprovConnect with Eran: Personal Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedinBook a workshopLearn more:PowerProvPowerProv Improv Training for Business Teams powerprov.com.auLaugh-Masters AcademyAustralia's Home of Improv and Sketch Comedylaugh-masters.com.auShow notes:This podcast is intentionally short and sweet, so don't expect too much from the notes. We will, of course, share links and details of things discussed in individual episodes as appropriate - and that's about it. The main thing to know is every episode of this show starts with a one-word suggestion, and there's no reason the next one couldn’t come from you.As long as its not "dildo."Transcript:This suggestion actually came in a few weeks ago, but I saved it up for today because we have some news. This podcast has, up until this episode, been brought to you by LMA Professional Development - Australia's best improv-based corporate training.But, LMA recently rebranded to PowerProv, and so, you know. Batteries. Power... you get the idea. So if you're a long time listener, or just checking out your first episode, head on over to powerprov.com to see all the fun team building activities on offer, including new online workshops for business teams.And with that, let's get back to "batteries."In this modern age, it's easier than ever to learn how to do just about anything and everything. Just Google a how-to guide, find a tutorial on YouTube, or sign up for Skillshare. And there are a hundred more ways to learn and develop a new capability.But just because you can doesn't always mean you should. Learning to do everything on your own takes time, energy, and definitely drains your batteries.These days we tend to wear fatigue, stress, and busy-ness as a badge. But all it really means is we're not using our personal power wisely, and perhaps have become powerless to focus on what we really want to do or change that deserves our attention and energy.Instead, I suggest you find the thing or things you're great at, and focus on those. Dan Sullivan from Strategic Coach calls this your "Unique Ability."Focus energy on your positive strengths, not your negative weaknesses. To do this effectively it helps to have other people around you with different strengths and unique abilities.Even people who appear outwardly to be successful solo mavericks have teams of people collaborating and contributing their power to a shared common goal.Bill Gates didn't make the worlds most famous operating system alone. Elon Musk isn't on the factory floor wielding a wrench. And Zuckerberg could not have built the shittiest social media platform without thousands of helpers choosing to give their energy to his disappointing vision.The point is real power is collective power. When you work together as an ensemble you really are stronger.So remember, how you spend your power or energy is important. Who you spend it with is important. And what you spend it on is important. Don't deplete your batteries by focusing on the wrong things.To quote Dan Sullivan again, ask yourself who, not how. Who can help you get things done, instead of how you can get it done, or how you can learn something new to get it done yourself.No matter how big your goal, learning to work with your team, to communicate and collaborate effectively, will make you more powerful. Like an entire field full of Tesla batteries.And nothing recharges your communication and collaboration skills like PowerProv's fun team building activities.---The ideas, observations, and perspectives shared here are mine alone. I’d love to hear yours in the comments, or better yet in a review.★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onewordsuggestion.substack.com

Basketball players wear high tops and gymnasts use lots of tape, but less demanding activities, like the ones you do around the office, require a different, but equally important, type of support.

If a cocaine sniffing hippo starts chasing you, run in a zig-zag because they can only run in a straight line. If an improviser chases you, stay where you are, say "yes, and..." and see what happens.

Do you have parasites at the office? People who take credit for other people's efforts, or who bring snacks and coffee to meetings, but never share any ideas? Improv can help.

Use your fear as a divining rod. Do what makes you uneasy. Do the thing that scares you most, and discover new things about yourself. Just do it safely.

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.

If you're the kind of person who sometimes comes across as a bit prickly on the outside, but the people who know you think you're sweet, you might be a "social pineapple."

After 8 years of trying, last week I finally broke into prison. We went in hoping to help inmates find some joy and arm themselves with tools for survival on the outside. I don't know if we succeeded.

I'm taking a couple of weeks off - hopefully you are too. Have a great holiday. One Word Suggestion will be back in January 2020.

Lipstick, in improv terms, is essentially “yes, anding” your face. Accepting the reality and building on it, working with what you have to make something even better.

Improv teaches you to take risks. Trying new things on a pizza, the stakes are low. But on the job, we tend not to take risks at all because if things go wrong, we get burned.

You can always tell when you see or meet someone who is truly authentic and living comfortably and openly with who they are. And usually, they’re our most favourite people to be around.

Get what you want, not by trying to be bossy, funny or cool, but by doing what's necessary to make your whole group look good instead of just worrying about yourself.

Ambiguity is not something to be feared but a given… We never have complete and perfect information. The best way to succeed in life is to revel in ambiguity.

Our ability to observe people and situations and translate those observations into useful opportunities for personal growth and development is wonderful. So are sunglasses.

People have become so preoccupied with themselves and their phones they're not only becoming less mindful, they're becoming dangerously mindless.

If people keep telling you that you have a tail, sooner or later, you’re gonna have to turn around and take a look.

For those of you out there who feel like a lack of courage is holding you back from living the truly good days you wish for, I’m here to tell you, fear is an illusion.

People who say “no” live in the comfort and security of their own world. People who say “yes” go on to live lives filled with glorious adventure.

If you want to be more than just a passive listener, then you need to practice being an active listener. This means using more than just your ears.

I was going to write this suggestion off as inappropriate and off-topic, but the reality is all of us probably know or work with at least one person who is, in fact, an asshole.

We’ve all probably experienced panic at some stage in our life. And the first thing to do if you start to panic - in any situation - is to just breathe.

Sometimes we get caught up in the trappings of success only to realise later in life that the things we thought would make us feel successful don't define it for us at all.

I probably shouldn’t be saying this because we’re still building the improv community here in Australia, but there is more to life than improv.

Most of the time when we think of intelligence we probably think of I.Q. tests, Stephen Hawking, or pipe smoking professors, but there’s more to intelligence than just being good at science and math.

The point is, to be great at anything you have to keep learning. Always. And to be a great teacher you have to be a good student. Always.

I might get some pushback for this, but I’m gonna say that the reason stereotypes exist, and persist, is because they are based in some amount of truth.

All of us want to connect with others and find the easily found common ground. And when we realise we’re all more alike than we are different, it feels really, really good.

The truth is, putting other people down will not make you look better. In fact, putting other people down only makes you look worse.

Learning to pay attention to whoever or whatever is directly in front of you will greatly improve your performance on stage - and at work, no matter what it is you do for a living.

Along with patience and compassion, sincerity is one of those qualities we all probably wish we had more of — or at least wish other people had more of.

Kindness at home? That’s usually pretty easy with our loved ones. Kindness at work? Where we spend 80% of our time? That can be a bit more of a challenge.

Editing is that little voice in your head: “Should I say this? If I do will people get it? Will I look stupid? What if I get it wrong? Maybe I’ll just stand here and keep my mouth shut.”

Fear often manifests itself when there’s something we know we want to do, but we’re hesitant to try because we might fail, get rejected, or be disappointed.

The word “team” is often equated with lousy team building experiences or associated with competition. Ensemble, by contrast, implies cooperation, collaboration, and unconditional support.

People come to play knowing that they will be accepted, failure is OK - if it even exists at all, and that they can further their personal growth in a way that doesn't feel like work.

Having integrity means you are true to yourself and won't do anything that demeans or dishonours your beliefs - or anyone else's, on stage or in real life.

The way you react to people, situations and events will tell you much about your values, and examining, rather than avoiding them is a worthwhile pursuit.

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and you can tell they’re not listening, and just waiting for you to shut up so they can say what they want to say?

Vulnerability makes you strong, not weak. When we show vulnerability with confidence we share ourselves without hesitation and accept ourselves and ideally, others, fully.

Honesty is more than just not being a liar, it’s about operating with integrity and being truthful to yourself, to your peers, and to the world.

Welcome to One Word Suggestion. If you have no idea what improv is, or why it's good for you (even if you're not funny or don't think you are), listen to this first.