Continuing with the theme of improvisation, I invited Michael Glatts, Founder of 901 Innovation, to chat about how improv techniques enrich the workplace. Michael shares how we all engage in improv when we get put on the spot at work and how we can build up our ability to tackle these situations when they come up. We also explore design thinking, LEGO play, and his advice for bringing more fun into your day.
What’s the key to having more fun in life?
It’s a big question, but for Michael Glatts, founder of 901 Innovation, the answer is simple yet powerful: people. Surrounding yourself with the right people can transform your experiences and open doors to creativity and joy. And when it comes to work, Michael believes we all have the power to inject a little fun and innovation into our day-to-day lives.
In this conversation, Michael shares how tools like Lego Serious Play, design thinking, and improv can spark creativity, foster collaboration, and create breakthroughs at work. Here’s a closer look at what we discussed.
What Is Lego Serious Play?
When you hear “Legos,” you might think of childhood playtime, but Lego Serious Play takes these colorful blocks to a whole new level. Developed by the Lego Corporation, this methodology helps teams visualize ideas, foster alignment, and articulate their vision.
Michael explains how the process works:
- Participants build models that represent their perspectives, such as their team dynamics or vision for a project.
- These models often use metaphors (e.g., connecting Lego pieces to represent collaboration).
- By sharing their creations, team members gain insights into each other’s thinking, building deeper understanding and alignment.
It’s a playful yet powerful way to get everyone on the same page and break down mental barriers.
What Is Design Thinking?
At its core, design thinking is about human-centered problem-solving. Michael describes it as a mindset and process that starts with empathy—truly understanding the people you’re designing for.
Here are the key principles:
- Empathy: Understand your audience and their unmet needs.
- Ideation: Generate creative ideas to address those needs.
- Prototyping: Experiment and test solutions.
This approach isn’t just for product designers or tech innovators. It’s applicable to anyone—leaders, teams, or even individuals looking to design their own lives. By focusing on the process rather than just the solution, design thinking fosters breakthroughs in any field.
The Power of Improv at Work
Improvisation might seem like a skill reserved for actors and comedians, but Michael shows how the principles of improv can transform the workplace. One key principle? “Yes, and.”
Here’s how it works:
- Instead of shutting down ideas with a quick “no,” adopt a mindset of building on ideas.
- For example, if someone proposes a new approach, respond with “Yes, and…” to explore possibilities rather than focusing on limitations.
This “yes, and” mindset fosters creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity. It also trains teams to think on their feet—a skill that’s critical in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable work environment.
Practical Tips to Build Creativity and Fun
Michael offers one powerful tip: Say “yes” before “no.”
When we’re young, we approach the world with curiosity and openness. But as we grow, we’re often conditioned to default to “no.” Michael encourages us to pause and give ideas a chance. Even if not every idea works, one breakthrough could make all the difference.
Vimprov: Virtual Improv for Team Building
One of the ways Michael has adapted his work during the pandemic is through Vimprov—virtual improv sessions that nurture creativity, trust, and teamwork.
These sessions are designed to help teams:
- Loosen up and break free from rigid thinking.
- Build trust and rapport in a lighthearted way.
- Open their minds to innovative solutions.
In a time when many teams are navigating the challenges of remote work, Vimprov offers a fun and effective way to re-engage and reconnect.
Takeaways for Leaders and Teams
Whether you’re a leader looking to drive innovation or an individual seeking more joy at work, here are some actionable steps:
- Start with empathy: Understand the needs of your team, customers, or yourself.
- Build on ideas: Adopt the “yes, and” mindset to explore possibilities.
- Reignite play: Use tools like Lego Serious Play or improv to spark creativity.
- Embrace change: Don’t cling to old processes—stay open to innovation.
About Michael Glatts
Having decades of experience, always asking “why?”, Michael loves to challenge the status quo. It is the only way to break free, have fun, and unleash your unique ability.
A class comic through twelve years of catholic and private school, Michael knew how to have fun, when to appreciate the supportive teachers, and when to challenge those “not-so-supportive” ones. Naturally, he carried this through college and into a fulfilling 26-year career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals – a great company, oh but brutally bureaucratic. The perfect place to hone one’s disruptive skills with the right mix of humor, respect, and rebelliousness. Mix in 20 plus years of improv and the formula is set to take out to the world. Now it’s time to really have some fun!
About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
