"In the descriptions of different comedy learning environments, it is
important to recognize that neither learning environment was 'safe'. It
takes enormous courage to stand up in front of a group and try to make
them laugh."
Good point Rol. We were the company who did the stand up comedy training
and the reason for it was to assist our people in taking more risk in life
and on the job.
In the beginning, people would try one joke and then start to sit down.
Because that one joke had failed, they were afraid to try another one. In
reality, the lack of safety didn't exist in the audience, it existed in
the performers interpretation of what it meant about themselves. After
six sessions, each person had more understanding and experience. They
knew that a laugh or lack of a laugh had almost nothing to do with their
self image. They had strategies for dealing with both. At this point,
they also had a higher level of "internal security." So, they didn't fear
the external any more. Hence, they were willing to take more risk.
In order to build a learning organization, having people gain a level of
"internal security" is going to be a key component.
You can tell when there is a lack of "internal security" because people
are unwilling to acknowledge mistakes, they avoid change, and they often
blame others instead of doing what it takes to create success.
When our "comedians" gained this internal security, their results
increased dramatically. They were willing to take giant leaps and even
the most shy ones were confronting the comedy audience instead of shying
away. It was an amazing process to watch. But the one thing that we
didn't hear was excuses.
This whole process occured because of the way Sam Cox (the comedy coach)
facilitated the growth of the participants. Yes, each person was
responsible for their own learning, yes, they chose to take the risk, and
yes, it happened because of the way the risk/safety ratio was managed.
For those of us who are leading in a learning organization, we are
constantly managing this fine line between risk and safety. When there is
too much risk, many people won't even try. When there is too much safety,
it becomes boring and it usually signals a lack of innovation.
If your company is truly on the leading edge, then you are watching your
people all the time to ensure they are taking as much risk as they can and
also that they are safe and secure enough to keep from freaking out.
Often, when people are risking at a tremendous level, emotions run high.
But if the risk/safety ratio is managed properly, they'll perform
phenominally.
Hal Croasmun
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