GameChanger's comments

There is a science to pivoting. It is a science of generating predictably positive outcomes from unforeseen circumstances. The sciene is called improvisation, and it has as strong and compelling body of work behind it of any relevant business ethos there is.

It is both pedagogically sound and creatively liberating. Works by geniuses like Viola Spolin ("Improvisation for the Theater" and Keith Johnstone ("Impro), and many yes-anders like myself ("GameChangers: Improvisation for Business in the Networked World") have laid a very solid foundation for 'applied improvisation.' There are a few (not a lot but a few) fantastic business improvisers around the world who school their clients in this science. Paul Z. Jackson and Belina Raffy are based in London. Sue Waldon and Bob Sadler in S.F. Bay Area; On Your Feet in Portland; Kat Koppett, Zohar Adner, Caitlin McClure et al in New York. With approx 1,600 members worldwide, the Applied Improvisation Network is a loose affiliation of improvisers who know how to apply improvisation techniques to business. Improvisation already plays a huge role in social social media strategies like 'fanthropology,' agile development, biomimicry, transmedia, and branded entertainment, for example.

The ability to improvise IS the ability to pivot in order to consistently grow through change. In this science of ours, preparation is emphasized over planning, thematic consistency over replication, and trajectory over position. Improvisation is, we believe, a vital skill for organizations and individuals doing business in a networked world. And who isn't?

Thank you for the post. What you are saying is huge.

Mike Bonifer
www.gamechangers.com