I had the pleasure of exploring the world of creativity with the incredibly talented Max Dickins. Max, an improv performer, scriptwriter and author, and a longtime collaborator of Now Go Create.
He brought a wealth of knowledge and practical techniques from the world of improvisation that can genuinely transform how we approach creativity in our work and daily lives.
Throughout this episode, we explore the importance of structure and guidance in brainstorming sessions. As many of you know, brainstorming can often feel like herding cats – ideas can be scattered and incomplete. Max and I discuss the significance of having a clear problem to solve and ensuring everyone is prepared. Without this, we risk jumping to solutions prematurely and missing out on real insights.
“Improv is the art of acting without a script.” Max Dickins
One of the standout points from our conversation was the balance between divergent and convergent thinking. Divergent thinking allows us to explore all potential ideas without judgment, while convergent thinking helps us narrow down to the most viable solutions. Max emphasised the necessity of being adaptable and switching between these modes to harness creativity effectively.
Max’s insights into using improv techniques were truly eye-opening for me. Improv isn’t just reserved for comedians or actors – it’s a powerful tool for enhancing spontaneity and overcoming the inner critic that often stifles our ideas. Being a good “scene partner” in improv means prioritising listening and supporting others’ ideas, which is incredibly relevant to collaborative work environments.
We also touched on the emotional and psychological aspects of creative collaboration. Radical candor, a practice encouraged by Netflix, promotes honest feedback to foster creativity. However, it requires a high level of trust. Max and I discussed how vital it is to create a supportive environment where everyone feels safe to contribute without fear of judgment.
One of my favourite moments with Max was our discussion on the concept of “bids” in relationships, originally coined by improv expert John Gottman. Recognising and positively responding to each other’s bids for connection can significantly elevate the quality of creative collaboration. It was a reminder of how essential soft skills like vulnerability, effective feedback, and high-quality listening are to nurture a psychologically safe and innovative workspace.
Here are 3 key takeaways from my chat with Max:
Improv isn’t just for actors – it’s a life skill! Think of it like this: improv helps you think on your feet, adapt to the unexpected, and truly listen to others. Those skills come in handy whether you’re brainstorming with colleagues, navigating a tricky conversation with your partner, or just trying to come up with a creative solution to a problem in your everyday life.
Don’t let that inner critic boss you around! We all have that voice in our head that says, “That’s a dumb idea” or “You’re not creative enough.” Improv helps you quiet that voice and embrace a more playful, experimental mindset. It’s about saying “yes” to possibilities and building on each other’s ideas, even if they seem a bit out there at first.
Want awesome teamwork? Create a “no judgment” zone. Imagine a meeting where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, no matter how wild or “obvious” they might seem. That’s the kind of environment improv fosters. It’s about truly listening to each other, supporting each other’s ideas, and building on them collaboratively. It’s amazing what you can achieve when everyone feels safe and empowered to contribute.
If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to listen to the episode. Max and I covered so much ground, from handling difficult team members to the importance of pre-framing roles and expectations in any collaborative effort. His belief that improv is for everyone, not just extroverts, was particularly reassuring. Don’t forget to check out the free downloadable worksheet available on our website nowgocreate.co.uk that can help you apply some of the techniques we talked about.
Until next time, keep creating fearlessly and embrace spontaneity. Remember, creativity is a journey, and every idea, no matter how small, is a step towards discovering something amazing.
You can listen to the full episode here