Approaching Improv: Communication and Connection in Business and Beyond

by Caitlin Drago, Jacob Walsh (Illustrator), Jeff Taylor (Editor)

We all like to think of ourselves as active listeners, open to considering another’s perspective in order to successfully collaborate toward shared goals. Why, then, when we look around, do we see countless examples crying out to the contrary? Why do we so often find ourselves struggling to effectively communicate at work, at home, or in social settings. Why do we struggle to hear and be heard, in spite of that being precisely what we all desire?

What if there was a simple, yet flexible, format through which we could improve not only our listening skills, but our ability to successfully ask for and get what we want? Perhaps it could even invoke our creativity and imagination, making it a fun experience instead of a dreaded one?

Enter stage The Improv Approach.

The Improv Approach takes the principles of improv comedy and applies them to everyday interactions, empowering you to navigate even difficult conversations with an ease that without such a strategy too often proves anything but mutually satisfying, and sometimes simply impossible.

While written primarily with business leaders in mind, Approaching Improv’s relatable, direct technique to teaching the “Improv Approach” makes it an indispensable resource for professionals and non-professionals alike.

Using the Improv Approach, you will Early
"Had this book been available 25 years ago, my personal library of leadership, communication, and healthy relationship resources would be much, much, smaller! Caitlin’s use of relatable stories, data, and humor to amplify key concepts made it feel as though I was having a conversation with my own personal mentor as I read each chapter. What I found to be the most powerful aspect of the Improv Approach Caitlin outlines, is that it is a mindset that can be applied towards every aspect of my life; from family and friends, to customers and staff."
Scott Wager
Co-Founder & CEO
Expeditions of Empowerment, Inc.

"I highly recommend Approaching Improv by Caitlin Drago. This book brilliantly explores how concepts from improvisational theater can be applied to foster creativity, adaptability, and cohesion within corporate teams. With insightful anecdotes and practical exercises, it's a must-read for anyone looking to elevate team dynamics and innovation in the business world."
Sherwin Damdar
Director of Product Management & Innovation
Garlock

“ Approaching Improv is an absolute gem for anyone seeking to enhance their communication skills, foster meaningful connections, and thrive in both business and personal relationships. Written by a seasoned improvisational theater performer and communication expert, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom that combines the principles of improvisation with real-life scenarios, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their interpersonal skills in a unique, engaging, and impactful way!”

Karen Eichner
Director of Human Resources
Trusted Nurse Staffing, LLC

168 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Caitlin Drago’s mission is to create cultures of empathy, creativity, and trust, beginning with how people communicate and connect.

She is an LA-based actor turned upstate NY-based certified leadership coach, trainer, and facilitator. Acting taught her to be present, self-aware, empathetic and to prioritize connection with others. Improv taught her to listen, trust her gut and deal with the unexpected in a positive and creative way. She now works with leaders and teams to help them to listen to one another, communicate and connect, using improvisation as a platform for interactive learning.

She spent 10 years studying improv at places like the nationally accredited Upright Citizen’s Brigade and has spent the last eight years working with leaders and their teams. She’s been featured in Medium’s Authority Magazine and has spoken at a variety of conferences, including the Talent Development Think Tank, the International TWA Conference and DisruptHR Rochester.

Reviews

[Sherwin Damdar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Approaching Improv by Caitlin Drago. This book brilliantly explores how concepts from improvisational theater can be applied to foster creativity, adaptability, and cohesion within corporate teams. With insightful anecdotes and practical exercises, it's a must-read for anyone looking to elevate team dynamics and innovation in the business world.

[Scora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely excited to grab this book as a creative who works in both the technical and performance world and as someone who often feels like I'm standing with one foot in both professions. Improv is such a universal experience and useful skill but so often feels relegated to the stage or screen in the minds of most. Using improv to stay present and hone listening skills is invaluable for any team, in any workplace and Drago does a marvelous job illustrating how with succinct insights and personal stories of application. The "Try This" section is wonderfully approachable and makes the method easy to connect to any work culture or mixed group. I hope everyone has one story of a time when they experienced real community and team work when putting together a project or working with others; a diverse collective contributing their individual gifts and talents toward a larger end. It's a common occurrence
on stage but not one only found there, and this book offers up the tools and strategies to recreate that experience in any work environment in a very accessible way. I feel like so many professions could benefit from the empathy and curiosity that the improv approach lays out and I haven't read anything else that covers this in such an actionable way.

[Crystal Kardys]

"Approaching Improv" by Caitlin Drago seamlessly blends lessons from the world of improv with the realm of emotionally intelligent communication, leadership, and cultural change, and it's a game-changer! We've all read the leadership books where the important lessons are there but it takes us months to read because well.... they're boring! They drone on and on about theories, and concepts, but don't really end up giving you practical advice. Let me tell you, that is not the case with "Approaching Improv". Caitlin incorporates humor, and everyday scenarios throughout the book making it an engaging read. I often found myself jotting notes in the margins, eager to implement these lessons, and loved the "Try This" sections which offered actionable steps that can be applied in real-world scenarios. "Approaching Improv" provides a fresh perspective on how to lead, connect with your team, and drive cultural change. This book is a valuable addition to the arsenal of any leader looking to enhance their leadership skills and foster a positive, innovative, and collaborative work environment.

[Jeannie Gainsburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the idea of being forced to do improv give you the shakes? Me too. Rest assured that Caitlin Drago is not suggesting that you perform improv with your colleagues. She is, however, suggesting that you consider using the principles of improv to create a workplace culture that builds trust among coworkers, empowers employees to bring their best selves to work, and establishes an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. Throughout her book, Caitlin Drago offers simple strategies and practical tip to improve communication and trust among our workplace teams and also in our personal lives. Because of the personal stories threaded throughout, I found this book to be not only useful, but an enjoyable read as well. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to improve their listening skills, grow as a leader, and create an effective and happy workplace team.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of following Caitlin and her career over the last several years and am thrilled to have an opportunity to read an advance copy of Approaching Improv. The way she builds trust with teams with just two words– “yes, and” – is a game changer. Uniting introverts and extroverts alike in building support and morale amongst a team, Caitlin presents formerly dreaded team-building and icebreakers in a way that is fun and inviting. From team building to giving feedback, the actionable takeaways for each topic make immediate application of the content easy and… even fun?!

As a recovering perfectionist, I enjoyed the challenges to embrace creativity, live in the moment, and listen so fully, “that no room is left for judgment or assumptions.” Some of the best leadership advice I’ve ever received has been around training and building up others so we all look good, and setting aside one’s ego. I love that strands of both of these philosophies are woven throughout Approaching Improv, not only in theory but in practice. This book is a game-changer in business and leadership literature, and I look forward to sharing Caitlin’s brilliance with others in my professional and personal life.