I’m always looking for ways to talk about what we do with Improvisation that applies to both corporate world and k12 students. For the longest time I said we are building your EQ, your empathy, your ability to understand and cope with our world, and yiur ability to support your team, your students, your clients etc.
Half joking I came up with the term FQ this morning, or FOCUS QUOTIENT. If IQ measures your intelligence and EQ measures your ability to use emotions and sense emotions in others, then FQ is your ability to focus and apply your IQ & EQ at the top of your ability.
In a world of uncertainty, the fear of the unknown drives our egos and insecurity. Coupled with the digital age, our focus is at an all time low. I teach both kids and adults, using improv to deliver a number of life skills.
Post 2020, adults are worse than most kids. We have a lot on our plate. Adults for all times have juggled jobs and home and sometimes squeeze out a few moments for their own sanity. How many of you want to smack a person when they say YOU SHOULD TAKE SOME “ME” TIME?
My biggest message with improv for many years is to removed ego and insecurity from the equation. Learn to focus, even when deep in thought, staying present, in the moment.
FQ to me is that ability to stop letting ego and insecurity get in the way of you being your best self, your ability to complete a task, or perhaps even to start a task.
FQ is your ability to move past indecision. FQ is your ability to get off the couch and go to the gym. FQ is your ability to ignore the phone and other distraction. FQ is to persever when boredom, stress or other challenges makes you think of quitting.
When I teach Improv, I focus on LISTENING WITH YOUR EYES and MAKE SIMPLE CHOICES. Trust yourself and your scene partner. Let every choice inspire another choice.
Everything else is ego and insecurity.
IQ without FQ is a walking encyclopedia without purpose. EQ without FQ is just sensitive. But all three together is a powerful leader that will get stuff done, inspiring a team of talent.
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