I’m currently working on an instructional systems design project with a long-term client. One of the steps in the process we enjoy doing is what I’ll call group design. In reality, it’s more like brainstorming activities and exercises that we can use to accomplish a learning objective.
Both of us have been in the training field for a while, so we know many of the same activities. That’s why I’m always searching for books containing training exercises to get my creative juices flowing. Thank goodness the folks at McGraw Hill were kind enough to send me a copy of the book “Business Improv” by Val Gee and Sarah Gee. The book contains 75 experiential learning exercises covering a wide range of topics.
The exercises include:
- Listening Skills
- Suspending Judgments
- Paraphrase
- Non Verbal Communications
- Trust
- Collaboration
…and many more. Each activity is assigned a risk level, offers background information, defined learning objectives, along with the instructions for the activity and a recommended debrief.
The beauty of “Business Improv” is it takes away the preconceived notions we have that improv always has to be funny. The book defines improv as being flexible and fluid. It’s about dealing with the spontaneous. Facilitating new discussion and dialogue versus a planned training outcome.
If you’re looking for some new training activities – maybe for your upcoming manager’s planning meeting or to incorporate into that new customer service training program – then “Business Improv” might be worth checking out. I can already see this book being a go-to resource on my bookshelf.
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Erik Karff says
Intriguing post Sharlyn! Part of what I’ve been doing for work is branding and employer branding and we have had some really outstanding sessions. Since I work for a global company, this online mindmapping tool has served me well: http://www.mindomo.com/
Also, we had a few very productive brand workshops. At one workshop we did a semantic differential exercise. Basically, we had a list of adjectives which were, more or less, opposite of each other (Young vs Traditional, Fast vs Thorough) and rated them on a scale from -3 to +3. Gave people time to rate them, went around in a circle and discussed. Very productive discovery session!
Kerry says
I’ve read this book and it was wonderful. I definitely learned a lot, so +1 Sharlyn!
Sharlyn Lauby says
@Erik – Thanks for sharing. I might have to try the exercise out sometime.
@Kerry – Thank you for the comment!
Erik Karff says
My pleasure! We’ve been doing a good deal of employer branding for our clients and it has been such an inspiring and creative process. Please feel free, and this goes to everyone, to reach out if you have any questions or need a suggestion on process, etc!
Regards,
Erik