Minisode 5: How to Create a Safe Space for your Team Using “Yes, And” - with Rosie Moan
Failed it! Fam – Have you heard of Yes, And?
On today’s minisode, our improve it! Lead Facilitator- Rosie Moan, is here to talk to us about the importance of Yes, And within your team. Listen in to hear how it can open up a safe space for your team to explore new ideas, boost creativity and enhance morale. Yes it works, AND we are here to spill the beans on how!
About the Guest : Empirical evidence has shown that improvisational training has the ability to improve an employee’s trust, teamwork, communication, presentation skills, creative problem solving, and can improve a company’s overall corporate culture. No one knows that better than Rosie Moan, a North Carolina native with a Midwest heart. She has lived in Chicago since 2011 and in that time has trained at Second City, iO (formerly Improv Olympic), and the Annoyance theater. On top of regularly performing and teaching at all three, she is also an on-camera coach and actor mentor. Outside of the stage, she has 7 years of Corporate experience, 5 of which are in recruiting. Rosie has trained thousands of corporate professionals all over the country and can say with confidence, she is a master of the chicken dance.
Rosie has conducted workshops with improve it! across the country leveraging improvisational techniques to improve employees’ soft skills in corporate settings, including PepsiCo and American Marketing Association. improve it! has worked with clients such as United Airlines, Motorola Solutions, Groupon, Deloitte, The PrivateBank and the Illinois CPA Society. improve it! earned the Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award in 2014 and has been nominated for the Chicago Innovation Award for the past four consecutive years. Rosie will be sharing her thoughts on how to effectively communicate by using the methodologies of improvisation. We invite you to join us for this unforgettable experiential learning opportunity!
Favorite improv quote: “Change is the only constant. Learn to surf your life instead of planting your feet.” - Amy Poehler
About the Host: Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award.
This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre.
When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running and beach dates with her husband and son, and their eight-pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl.
You can follow the failed it! podcast on Instagram @learntoimproveit and facebook, and you can follow Erin personally on Instagram @keepinitrealdiehl here. You can also check out improve it! and how we can help your organization at www.learntoimproveit.com. We can’t wait to connect with you online!
Minisode 5 Transcription
Erin (00:00):
Welcome to failed it!
Erin (00:09):
O M G Rosie. Welcome to the failed it! Podcast.
New Speaker (00:19):
Thank you so much, Erin Diehl. I am so honored.
Erin (00:23):
I am so honored to have you here, and I know the failed it! Family, which fun fact failed it! Family. We're going to be doing a rebrand. I was just telling Rosie, more on that later. So your name may change, but this podcast...
New Speaker (00:40):
You're gonna love it.
Erin (00:41):
It's gonna blow your mind it's gonna blow your mind, but Rosie, tell the fam, the failed it! Fam for now, how you came to improve it. Rosie is one of our lead facilitators here. And how you started out as a lead facilitator.
New Speaker (00:57):
Well failed it! Fam, patent pending change coming. I wow. How did I come to the improve it! Family? I knew Cristy first and foremost. So Cristy's one of the like, I mean, I'm sure you've talked about Cristy in here before, but has she been a guest? I'm just all over the place.
Erin (01:21):
She was a guest.
New Speaker (01:22):
She was so go ahead and listen to that episode to learn what she does. But through the improv world and she told me about this company and I was like yes, hello. I would like to do it. And like, I think even in my interview, I was like, have you ever are looking for lead people? Like I would love to. So I just was a fan and then I got the chance to interview and was hired. I'm so lucky and grateful.
Erin (01:47):
Stop, keep going. And we know we are the lucky ones, as you can hear, she is one of the best of the best people on the planet. I say this like with the most sincerity, because I truly do feel so lucky that we have this team of amazing people that we get to play and hang out with and work with. And I said to her, we're doing a workshop right after this. And I was like, Rosie, I get to hang out with you all afternoon, which makes me smile from ear to ear.
New Speaker (02:17):
It's the best. It's always fun. It never, it really doesn't feel like work, which sounds so cheesy, but it's like the most fun and most energetic and most lovely thing.
Erin (02:28):
Stop I know.
New Speaker (02:32):
Thanks to you, Erin Diehl!
Erin (02:32):
Okay. Well, I really honestly could not do this without you, without our team of rockstars. I want you to tell us a little bit about improv for you. Why did you choose improv as your life's work? And you actually came from corporate America and left corporate to do this full-time.
New Speaker (02:52):
Yeah, I did. I, I fell in love with improv in high school. When I got this like new theater teacher, like we had the same theater teacher and we all loved her and she was like, you know, we, we were like, whoever this new person is, we're going to hate her, loved her too. She came with a background from second city and like blew our minds with like improv. And we, she cast a sketch show and there was, it was six women and we improvised and wrote the show together. And from that show, I was like, I'm moving to Chicago. I got to do this thing. And then I came to Chicago and it just continued to blow my mind. It's not at all what I thought it would be. I didn't pursue improv in the way that I thought I would. And I ended up in a place that I never thought I'd be. So I, you know, I'm, I'm grateful. And I know we'll talk about this to the yes, and idea because I'm, this is not, this is not necessarily what I planned. And I'm so happy that this is how it's turned out. But long answer in high school is the short answer.
Erin (04:01):
Okay. I love that because you, and when you watch Rosie perform failed it! Fam. So we just said to, we actually had to laugh breaks. So that's, today's a crazy day. We're recording this show. I hosted a laugh break. You just got off a laugh break, and then we're doing a workshop right after this, which is awesome. And you know, it's, it's this feeling that you can't describe. These things only happen one time and I'll tell you what, in our last break, while you were hosting one, I was hosting the other, I had tears in my eyes. I couldn't physically talk. Cause Mike Garrity had made me cry laughing so hard. And if I, if I talk about it, you know what I repeat what happened? It doesn't sound as funny, but in that moment it's hysterical and we can never relive it. And that's what happened with you though. It's like this, this world surprised you and it took you on this journey. It took you through corporate America because you actually used to be in recruiting at groupon. You came from that and said, I am so passionate about improv. I'm going to do this full time. So I know you work a lot with our clients and our leaders. What are two things you, or you would say you see trending in leaders today? What, what do you think are on our clients' minds?
New Speaker (05:23):
Yeah, well, I mean, when I was, you know, full-time in corporate America and was, was really entrenched in that, you know, being in recruiting, I get to talk to all different kinds of leaders. And I think a trend that was even beginning then is, is this idea of your workers having a life and that being okay. And I think with the pandemic, it has made it very clear that we can juggle and balance these things of, you know, work-life balance. But, but in real way in a, okay, we're starting to acknowledge that these things are true. And having the accessibility, having the understanding and the acknowledgement of lives outside of the job, because that's what makes us better, you know, those experiences and those things externally are what make us even better employees.
New Speaker (06:17):
I mean, I always found that even in my own work, you know, I've, I've found my ability to pivot, to use improv, to use yes, and, but even just that I had this kind of fruitful and, and full life outside of the job to just be able to bring so much more to it. And I think that that true acknowledgement is happening across all levels of corporate America, which I find amazing.
Erin (06:44):
I do too. It's so refreshing. It really is. And it's like this work-life blend, you know, it's not a balance, it's a blend. And I think we're seeing that as people are thinking about going back to the office, as they're thinking about staying at home people's lives are opened up and you know, their lives really were behind them and on screen on camera for the past year. And you, and I, I think have really and everybody on the improvement team really has this whole concept in our mind of just being our true selves, bringing our true selves to work and allowing that to fuel us because when we feel heard, that's when we want to show up more. So I want you to talk to us when you've alluded to this a little bit about this concept of yes, and, because creating a safe space for people going back into the office is so important, creating a safe space for those who choose to continue to work at home. Because a lot of people still aren't comfortable going back to the office right now. So what would you say are some tangible steps on how the failed it! Fam can use yes, and to create a safe space for their teams, whether they're at home or they're continuing to figure out a way to safely go back to work.
Rosie (08:03):
Yeah. When describing yes. And is that you can say no, like saying no is part of saying yes. And so the example that I like to give is, you know, when we use it on stage, it's, it's a very clear message, right? If I say, doctor hand me the scalpel and you say, I'm a veterinarian and this is a cat, like you had just said, no, you said no to the idea. You've said no to my very existence, basically to the world that I've created. So to say yes. And is, you can say I can say Dr. Henry, the scalpel, and you can say, no, I think you need to stitch it up. Right? You have said yes to the idea, even though you use the word. No. So I think it is allowing yourself to breathe within this space to breathe and say yes to the circumstances that you're in and then adding your own voice to it, being a part of the, and being part of the creativity that comes forward, because the resistance and the denial of I'm not going to do that, or no, this isn't happening.
Rosie (09:09):
That's, that's what really creates. I think that that tough push and pull and, and more of the, the kind of sticky situations where we don't feel so great. So I think it is first the acknowledgement, and then being able to envision new and creative ways to approach this. You know, I think in every work situation, it really comes down to the approach and what we're willing to, I guess, get creative with, right? There's not ever one answer. And working as an individual is going to have way different results versus when we collaborate. So using, using the idea of, I accept the position that we're in, I'm going to add my voice and I'm going to be open to hearing what other people have to say. I think just also helps with that work blend, right? We can be ourselves and allow others to be themselves and let those, those truths all kind of mixed together.
Erin (10:07):
I'm going to do this. That's a mic drop. Did you hear? Okay. Thank you. It was a pen. It was a pen drop, but it was a little light for my, yeah. Let me say it. Let me see. Here we go. Nope. Okay.
Rosie (10:21):
Don't do that. I know. Sorry. Be careful.
Erin (10:26):
I know. You're right. You're right. I do need that. So, okay. Let's just say, this is literally how we as improvisors communicate. I love this too. You feel this too. And we have trips that take us outside of the city, which we all live in Chicago. I now don't live in Chicago, but when we all travel together, it's this constant feeling of yes, anding each other, which is heightening what's being said. And it's like, you just said, you said, you can say no, but it doesn't negate. It just builds. Right. And so leaders failed it! Family. If you were listening today and you are feeling like you are just not getting anywhere, that productivity is stifled, that you are sitting in just stagnancy. If you were just sitting still, and the work is getting squashed, here is a tangible thing you can do. So Rosie, will you lead us just in a yes, and brainstorm. So let's say we're brainstorming our, let's do our back to work little happy hour. We're doing in August. Okay. So how can we, yes, and this so we can come up with a great venue, a great food option. And then some entertainment. Cause I know some people who entertain people, how can we yes, and the crap out of this to come with some good ideas.
Rosie (11:54):
I think we, we take any, any nose off the table for this, right. When we're talking about brainstorming and ideation, just let it all flow. There's there's no boundaries. Right? So you and I do not have to adhere to any of those sticky things that would make us go, oh, this is so hard. Let's just let all the ideas flow and just yes, and you want to try it?
Erin (12:16):
Let's do it. Here we go. I'll go. I'll go.
Rosie (12:19):
Yeah. Start us off. Okay.
Erin (12:21):
Yes. And Rosie I'm so excited for this party. We are going to actually fly in pink. I just watched her documentary on Amazon prime and I'm obsessed. So I'm so excited.
Rosie (12:32):
Yes. And we will all be able to party at a private mansion so we can still hang out with pink, but then we all get our own space and can kind of like, you know, intermingle and go off to different places.
Erin (12:47):
Yes, and every room has a different food group item. Okay. With multiple dipping sauces for any, you know, any chicken nuggets or veggie chicken nuggets or fish decks for the pescatarian.
Rosie (13:00):
Yes, and each of those rooms has a slide that goes out of the window, into the giant pool in the center of the courtyard.
Erin (13:10):
Yes, and in the pool, everyone gets their own floaty. If you want a unicorn floatie, you get a unicorn floatie!
Rosie (13:18):
And you get a unicorn floaty, and you get a unicorn floaty!
Erin (13:24):
So, okay. From this, we could take maybe one idea too. I mean, all of these are very extravagant ideas, but the goal right. Is to just allow ourselves to dream big because maybe we decide, we want to do a pool party from this and.
Rosie (13:38):
Exactly. It's what are we hearing? What are we excited about? So like, we like more modern music, right? You didn't say that we're, we're having a jazz star come in. So we think, okay, that's, that's kind of the music that excites us. We, we want, you know, food that can satisfy all different types. Not just one thing, you know, maybe it's going to be hot. So kind of taking the things that naturally came up and letting them guide us.
Erin (14:02):
That's it! And that's for you failed it! Family listening today. This may sound crazy. How in the world are we going to do anything using Yes And? And when we're talking about pink and unicorn floaties, I'm going to tell you just what Rosie said. The theme from this is exactly what you're looking for. So if you allow your team to go big, you can pull from that big and get a little bit more realistic and fine tune it. But the goal is to allow everyone to share ideas and to not let anybody's idea feel squashed. So try it. We love it. It's yours.
Rosie (14:37):
It's the, no, that hurts. Right? So instead of finding what doesn't work, let's look for what does.
Erin (14:44):
Well, I'll tell you what works, you in my life Rosie. And you comin on this show.
Rosie (14:50):
Yes, and you in my life. So lucky!
Erin (14:55):
Oh so lucky, thanks for joining us on this minisode, Rosie and to my failed it! Family. Fail yeah.
Rosie (15:02):
Fail. Yeah.
Erin (15:11):
Hey friends, thanks for tuning into failed it. I am so happy. You were along for the ride. If you enjoyed this show, please head on over to iTunes, leave us a five star review and subscribe to the show. So you never miss an episode. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Now, if you're really feeling today's show, please take a screenshot and tag me on Instagram @keepingitrealdiehl and share it to your stories. So we can bring more people to the failed at family. I'll see you next week, but I want to leave you with this thought, what will you fail at today and how will that help your future successful self? Think about it. I'm so proud of you and you are totally failing it. See you next time!