Leading Like an Improviser: Why Presence is More Powerful Than Perfection
- Kinsey Hartwell
- 1 mei
- 3 minuten om te lezen
What improv comedy can teach us about bold, human leadership in uncertain times
You don’t have to be funny to lead like an improviser.
You don’t need a stage. You don’t need punchlines.
But you do need one thing: presence.
Because at its core, great improv isn’t about entertainment- it’s about connection. It’s about tuning in, trusting your instincts, responding in real time, and co-creating with what shows up… not what you rehearsed.
And in that sense, improvisation is one of the most powerful leadership muscles you can build.
THE PROBLEM WITH POLISHED LEADERSHIP
Many leaders are taught to believe that strength = certainty.
That you need to have the answers, own the room, anticipate every twist, and deliver perfection on cue.
But the world doesn’t work like that anymore.
The pace of change is too fast. The challenges too nuanced. The human needs too complex.
And in this messy, beautifully unpredictable business landscape, what people are craving is not perfection - it’s presence.
Leaders who can show up real, open, and responsive.
Leaders who know how to adapt instead of freeze.
Leaders who don’t fake certainty - but offer clarity anyway.
This is where improvisation becomes a mirror. A mindset. A method.
WHAT IS IMPROV, REALLY?
Improv isn’t chaos. It’s structured freedom.
It’s built on a few core principles that just so happen to be perfect for modern leadership:
“Yes, and…” - Accept what’s happening, and build on it.
Be in the moment - Let go of the script and listen deeply.
Make your partner look good - Collaboration over ego.
Follow the fear - Step into the unknown with courage.
Trust the process - You don’t need all the answers to begin.
Sound familiar?
These aren’t just performance tricks.
They’re the same traits that define adaptive, emotionally intelligent, human-centered leadership.
WHY IMPROVISATIONAL LEADERS THRIVE
They don’t freeze in the fog
When plans fall apart, improvisational leaders don’t panic - they pivot.
They anchor in purpose and adjust the path in real time.
They make space for others to lead
Improv is built on trust and co-creation. It’s not a solo act.
These leaders invite ideas, share the spotlight, and let solutions emerge from the group.
They model emotional agility
They can hold paradox. Laugh in tension. Stay grounded in uncertainty.
And in doing so, they create psychological safety for others to do the same.
They value curiosity over control
Improv isn’t about being right - it’s about exploring what’s possible.
Improvisational leaders ask bold questions and listen for what wants to emerge.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE IN LEADERSHIP
Instead of saying: “This wasn’t in the plan.”
Try: “What’s the opportunity we didn’t see coming?”
Instead of:
“Let’s wait until we have all the answers.”
Try: “Let’s take a thoughtful first step and learn from it.”
Instead of:
“We need to make this perfect.”
Try: “Let’s make this meaningful—and iterate from there.”
You’re not winging it. You’re working with it.
IMPERFECT, PRESENT, AND POWERFUL
Let’s be honest: your team doesn’t need you to be flawless.
They need you to be real.
To notice what’s happening. To name the moment. To choose the next move - not from fear, but from trust.
Improv teaches us that leadership is a living conversation, not a solo performance.
And that you can’t lead people through change if you’re clinging to a script written for a different reality.
A PROMPT TO REFLECT
Where in your leadership are you trying to be perfect -when what’s really needed is presence?
What would shift if you let go of control and leaned into curiosity?
THE NEW LEADERSHIP SUPERPOWER
The future belongs to leaders who can respond, not react.
Who can create culture in real time.
Who can walk into complexity and say with grounded calm:
"I’m here. I’m listening. Let’s figure it out together."
That’s improvisation.
That’s leadership.
That’s unscripted.
©2025 Kinsey Hartwell – www.unscripted-leadership.org
