We ALL need improvisational skills at work today!
Sticking strictly to the notes is no longer enough. We need to be flexible, responsive, and inclusive – just like in improvised music.
Just to be clear: for me, improv isn’t a gimmick or a game. It’s an inner attitude toward ourselves, our environment, and the people around us. It shapes how we show up in every exchange with the world.
Improvising musicians create space for new ideas, real impact, and deep self-expression. That’s exactly what we need in today’s professional world – and in society as a whole – as we deal with complex situations, many unknowns, and a pace of change that keeps speeding up 🌍
From what I’ve seen on stage and in coaching, I developed my coaching approach: the Integral Improvisational Coaching Approach.
Yeah, I know, not the shortest name. But it says what it needs to say:
It’s integral, it’s improvisational, it’s coaching!
But, wait – what does that even mean?
We’ll get to all of that. For now, let’s start with the first perspective of the approach: Explore your Inner Existence. Sounds intense? Well… it kind of is.
Think of your favorite musician. You’d recognize them within seconds, right? 🎵
Because great musicians are unique. They sound like themselves. Copying others only gets you so far – what really counts is finding and expressing your own sound. And that takes practice, practice, practice. Over time, a clear voice begins to form.
I experience the same in my coaching journey. Through reflection, coaching, and supervision, I stay in touch with my feelings and challenge my core beliefs and attitudes. I work through emotional and mental blocks – all on the way to becoming and expressing fully myself.
This is key: knowing yourself. Exploring your values, your purpose, your inner resources – and all the other beautiful emotional and mental components no one can see from the outside. Now,...
Think about you at work and in life!
Your work becomes far more effective, energizing, and supportive of your well-being when you bring your authentic self to work and live with integrity. I’m convinced that to do so, we must understand our inner playing field.
That’s why, in coaching, you explore your inner world. You gain clarity about your personal and professional vision, values, purpose, and inner resources. You work with your thoughts, emotions, and identities connected to your roles in life and at work. Know thyself, as they say!
But.
Knowing yourself is one thing. Next up: trusting your gut when the spotlight hits!
Keep reading → (coming soon!)
New to this series? Start here →
Christine Paulus
ENGLISH | DEUTSCH
