Lean into Improv for Better Communication
What can improv comedy teach us about leading Lean teams? More than you’d think—and no, it doesn’t involve pretending to be a pirate in front of your coworkers (unless you’re into that).
If you’ve ever wished your team spoke up more during idea huddles, or wondered how to earn trust without scheduling another ropes course, this session is for you. We will explore how the core principles of improv—like listening actively, responding positively, and embracing the unexpected—can help create psychologically safe, high-performing Lean teams.
This session will encourage (but not require!) active participation, which may include standing, moving around the room, and speaking in pairs or small groups. Through a mix of playful improv exercises (and yes, a few PowerPoint slides), we’ll practice ways to foster communication, build respect, and encourage problem-solving from the people who know the work best. All levels of interest and scepticism are welcome, and no prior experience is necessary!
Taking risks is encouraged. Laughing is guaranteed. Our hope is that you’ll go back to your day job ready to practice skills that will help you become a more effective communicator while helping others feel respected and empowered to engage.
This session will be led by Joan Perreault, Continuous Improvement Coach at UMass Memorial Health and student of improv, and Paul McNeil, who hadn’t heard of Lean until Joan introduced him to it a few months ago but who has more than 25 years’ experience practicing improv comedy.
About Joan Perreault & Paul McNeil
Joan’s varied professional background helps her bring fresh perspectives to her work as a coach for frontline-driven process improvement teams at UMass Memorial Health. Her coaching is informed by her experience with Lean and idea systems as well as her background in education, marketing, and cross-cultural communication. Outside of work, Joan has an addiction to audiobooks, practices improv comedy, and is on a continuously improving mission to 5S her home (Kanban cards included).
Paul McNeil thrives when he’s with people and in front of them. By day, he works as a youth substance use prevention specialist; by night, he performs with Happier Valley Comedy’s long-form improvised musical troupe, “The Understudies.” Paul brings humor and heart to both his work and play. He lives in Easthampton, Massachusetts, with his wife, two spirited young sons, and their loyal yellow dog, Winnie. He believes prevention—and laughter—save lives.
