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OPINION
L ike many, my professional growth and leadership journey often feels like a “make it up as you go” exercise. Strategies have shifted, team relationships have evolved, and the path forward has not always been clear. What I’ve discovered is that the art of improvisation is well suited to help leaders navigate unknowns with confidence and creativity. Several of improv’s most fundamental rules are very much related to leadership and professional growth. Say “Yes, and…” to better leadership
Michael Makris, P.E.
Having both watched and taken improv classes, I’ve come to recognize several of improv’s most fundamental rules are very much related to leadership and professional growth. Improv is not just about being funny – it is about being present, willing to collaborate, and responsive to your troupe’s needs. These skills are ones leaders use every day while managing people and projects, solving challenging problems, and driving change through uncertainty. A quick Google search will list out many of improv’s key principles, but here are some of my favorites: 1. Say “Yes, and…” One of the first rules any student of improv will learn is to accept what has been presented and build from there. If a scene begins
with, “We’re stuck on a spaceship headed for Mars,” the next actor might respond, “Yes, and the engine just failed.” This “Yes, and…” mindset keeps the story moving forward. When you are seeking to grow “Yes, and…” is about momentum. Don’t be so caught up in one objective that you are overly critical or immediately dismiss the next opportunity in front of you. I recently shared this advice with a soon to be minted P.E. ready to take their career to new heights. They were hyper focused on chasing work with one firm on our prospect list. I had to remind them that firm didn’t
See MICHAEL MAKRIS, page 4
THE ZWEIG LETTER SEPTEMBER 29, 2025, ISSUE 1603
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