Applied Improv for Negotiators: Skills for Creative Power

Transform Your Negotiation Approach with Applied Improv Techniques and Creative Problem-Solving

Karen s Walch

Social Intelligence Lab

Karen S. Walch PhD

When we share limited resources, create something new, or solve problems with others, we are in a negotiation.

Negotiation is often thought of as sitting at a table hammering out a contract or deal. However, negotiation is a basic social activity practiced every day (sometimes hourly) in order to get our most basic human needs met.

In this article on Applied Improv for Negotiators, we will explore preparation that leads to managing our own and another's notions of limitation, dread, and insecurity. It's often hard to feel creative and optimistic when faced with shrinking resources and escalating social and personal problems.

However, Applied Improv practices can expand creativity, intelligence, and energized problem-solving. Such preparation includes a conscious effort to:

1. Be Curious and Listen.
2. Be Present.
3. Say "Yes, And…"; Accept and Build on Offers.
4. Let Go; Suspend Judgment of Yourself and Others.
5. Use Everything; Play the Scene You're In.
6. Embrace Uncertainty.
7. Make Your Partner(s) Look Good.
8. Trade Control for Influence.
9. Co-Create by Leading and Following.
10. Exercise Your Freedom within Structure.

The most successful and satisfied negotiators prepare to reduce the natural tension or anxiety before a negotiation begins. Remembering the "game rules" can manage the overactive need for self-preservation and defensiveness in negotiation.

Doubt, disappointment, and isolation can instead be transformed through a practice of dignity and co-creation for solutions. Increasing self-awareness and self-regulation is a foundation for the creation of unlimited options and mutual-gains solutions.

Applied Improv practices are not only simple to use and fun, but also generate the dynamic for potential and creative endeavors at the 'subatomic,' quantum invisible realm of reality. By paying attention to the invisible and interconnected web of collective emotional, social, spiritual, and physical forces negotiators share, they tap into "power with" (energy-amplifying) and not "power over" (energy-deflating) negotiation strategies.

Part of preparation for an improv game and a negotiation is to become more aware and make more visible the invisible forces at the quantum, unconscious level. Negotiators can recognize and create a safe environment for coherence, empathy, creativity, innovation, and confidence. Commitment to Applied Improv principles can create less destructive interference or disturbance in the field of uncertain potential.

Clarity and mental acuity are accessed through an Applied Improv mindset, which increases curiosity and suspends judgment, creating more openness. With Applied Improv preparation, feelings and behaviors toward mutual ownership can lead to more sustainable and satisfying outcomes.

Creativity and Applied Improv

Creativity and expansive solutions are enhanced with listening skills, which keep negotiators present and connected to others through Applied Improv practices.

Suspending judgment ensures all creative ideas and perspectives are explored. Through the Applied Improv techniques of self-awareness and observation, negotiators are able to gain a better understanding of their impact on others. Agility is learned and personal growth is experienced by stepping outside of one's own comfort zone.

Creativity in negotiation requires a responsibility of all involved to keep everyone engaged and share the risks toward the final outcome. Communication, collaboration, and adaptability through Applied Improv techniques generate shared leadership, turn-taking, and rapid-reaction capacity to solve problems, share limited resources, and create something new.

Recommended Practice: The Creativity Dice

The most useful problem-solving skills for any negotiation challenge are creativity, flexibility, and openness. Games like The Creativity Dice allow negotiators to overcome the potential hurdle and habit of linear thinking. This practice expands negotiators' sense of fun, openness, and quick responses.

For this session, practice The Creativity Dice game as follows:

• Organize yourself with three to four others around a topic, problem, or conflict in a negotiation situation.
• List topics/problems 1-4.
• Roll one die to determine the order in which your group will work on each topic for a period of three minutes at a time.
• For example, #1 may be "how to investigate factual information" for the chosen negotiation topic. Brainstorm for three minutes, moving quickly.
• Then move to #2-example: "what are the specific goals of each party on this topic?" Explore for three minutes, moving quickly. There may be moments of pause to allow everyone to participate with the rapid pace.
• Continue with the rest of the topics and stick to the three-minute limit, moving quickly.
• After all four topics are rapidly explored, answer the debrief questions below.

Debrief:

You and your counterparts discuss The Creativity Dice experience:

1. What did you each notice about yourself while you were generating ideas very quickly? What did you notice about others? What were you thinking about yourself and your counterparts at each round?
2. How can these kinds of practice drills help you be more creative, accepting, and encouraging of your counterpart's ideas in future negotiations?

JOIN us for live practice sessions with others in a confidential and fun space: The Social Intelligence Lab

Let's talk sometime. You can also reach me at Karenwalch.com