Feedback from a recent DSI COMM client made my day today.

One moment really resonated with me — just prior to the show you said, “You’ve all worked hard today; You let me coach/stretch you and even make you uncomfortable. You are going to do a great job. Just remember what you have learned and know that I’VE GOT YOUR BACK! You don’t need to worry about anything; My job is to make you ALL look like Rockstars. I’ve got your back.” I have told that account numerous times. It was a great reminder to me that people can do almost anything when they know someone has their back.

If you’re on a comedy team you would probably never think twice about saying that, because you do in fact have the back of EVERYONE on your team. We are trained to support each other unconditionally, without judgement or hesitation, and because of that support we are able to collaborate on some AMAZING work. Improvisers from all over the world affirm that trust when they utter that phrase every night before shows, and some actually physically touch each other (a gentle tap on the back or, more often, the shoulder).

What an INCREDIBLE gift we give each other on stage with just a simple affirmation and tap on the shoulder. Improvisers are able to confidently make unexpected choices; they feel safe enough to risk failure in the moment; and they often get HUGE laughs from BOLD moves made possible ONLY because improv teams are built to back each other up. Our employees and loyal customers should feel the same way.

What HUGE business payoff is just on the other side of some unconditional support?

Need some practice? Want to reframe your approach to support? Let me know.