The 7 Lessons of Improv

And how it helped me become a better Product Manager

About Me

Product Managers

Responsibility

Authority

Why Improv?

Listening Team Skills Creativity

Before We Start

What is Improv?

Rather than describe… Need 5 volunteers

Lesson 1: Start Anywhere

Lesson 2: Yes And

No or but Is about control Blocks ideas

Yes if/and Is about possibility Generates ideas

Lesson 3 – Failure is an Option

• Fail responsibly• Take risks• Admit to mistakes and

learn from them

Lesson 4: Don’t Prepare

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth” – Mike Tyson

Stay in the present Pay attention to the now Learn from your past

mistakes/success/research Trust yourself Get out of the office

Lesson 5: Why do I care?

• Connection• Engagement• Know your audience

Lesson 6: Pay Attention

No multitasking No thinking ahead Look for non-verbal

queues

Lesson 7: Have Fun!

Tying it all Together

Creativity Team Skills

Listening

Start Anywhere X

Yes And X X

Failure is an Option X

Don’t Prepare X

Why do I Care? X X

Pay Attention X X

Have Fun X X X

Connect to me:• @kelliej• www.batcrapcrazypm.com• http://www.linkedin.com/in/

kelliejones/