Friday, September 10, 2010

Improv....As a Training Tool

The world of improv is gaining steam as a accepted method of training in the workplace. Years ago, workplaces used to hesitate to use improv as a form of skills training because there was a stigma attached that anything fun and entertaining is not proper in the workplace. Just as games and simulations are becoming accepted and preferred training methods, improv is gaining in popularity.

A recent article highlighted two hotels--one in Chicago and one in New York--that were looking for a new, unconventional way to train employees. The hotels were looking for ways "to improve hosts’ communications skills, to help them read guests’ body language, and to establish an immediate rapport with guests," according to the article in The New York Times.

What new and innovations training methods have you or your staff used to make learning stick?