Player 1: (Miming pushing a baby carriage.) Such a nice night.
Player 2: (Starts the same movement) Yes, and we'll have this golf course mowed in no time and can get on to enjoying ourselves!
If they're really new improvisers, Player 1 usually stops and looks at Player 2, saying, "What in the heck are you doing?"
The scene stops cold.
Player 1 is disappointed because things didn't go as anticipated.
Player 2 is disappointed because Player 1 didn't yes, and . . . to their offer and continue the scene.
See, Player 2 saw the physical motion, heard the very vague words and assumed that Player 1 was mowing the lawn. Player 1 didn't give ENOUGH information to maintain the idea of a couple walking a baby in a carriage! If Player 1 had said, "such a nice night to be out walking the baby, he loves the fresh air." Then the offer of walking a baby would've been understood (and acted on) by Player 2.
How often does this happen in the improv of life that the person with the original offer doesn't give enough information so a "scene" can progress smoothly?
It is especially prevalent in the workplace.
As they say, the devil is in the detail.
Remember, if you're a Leader, one of your job requirements is to give your direct reports all the necessary information (and clear expectations) to successfully complete a task.
Sooooo, start the improv out by giving as much info as possible. That will set things up for the best possible result.
Think about past frustrations. Did someone "fail" because they just didn't do it "right" or did you leave out important details and expectations?
