Talking Improv

Ah yes the good ol’ “player-manager” situation.

Speaking personally, my independent team had a few coaches come and go early on, but then we realized we wanted to do things our way without anyone’s input. We started it from the beginning and we felt we could guide the ship on our own without a skipper.

The interesting thing is that we didn’t really have that one person in the group step up and be the “coach.” We all shared the responsibility equally. This might be due to how we all are. Each one of us could be leading another team. Our personalities are such that we know what we have to do, so we do it. No one has to tell us. We treat each other with respect in that regard.

Keep in mind that the person wanting to keep things on task is only trying to help. Now, if they’re being a bit of a bit of a nazi about it, let them know. Sometimes a change in their tone of voice or their vocabulary (“Why don’t we try doing this?” or “Hey guys, could we focus on this bit for a minute?” or “I suggest we work on _____. What do we think?”) can incite a much better, more positive response. Everyone has to work together to make it a success.

So the long and short of it is to treat each player on your team as a genius. I’m sure you’ve heard that advice before, but in this case it really does apply perfectly. Give your fellow players the credit they deserve. Have respect for them. If you don’t truly respect them as a performer, then why voluntarily be on a team with them? If everyone does this, then the group will pretty much guide itself with minimal fuss.

There will of course be people who will be the scheduler, or the exercise coach. Let them be who they are. Since everyone owns an equal piece of the team pie, no one person should feel it’s their duty to run the whole group.

What does everyone else think? I’d love to see what other thoughts people have about this. Thanks for your question argonkitten! Happy improving.

—Chuck