“Yes, And…” Your Way to Psychological Safety: Lessons from Improv, Google’s Project Aristotle turns 10yo

In the world of team dynamics, we’re constantly searching for the magic formula that unlocks peak performance. What makes a team truly successful? Is it the talent of its members? The clarity of its goals? Or is there something deeper at play?

Google’s Project Aristotle, a groundbreaking four-year study, shed light on this very question. In 2015, they revealed that the single most crucial factor for a successful team wasn’t who was on the team, but how the team worked together. At the heart of this “how” was psychological safety.

What is psychological safety? Simply put, it’s the feeling that you can take risks, express your ideas, and make mistakes without fear of judgment or reprisal. It’s knowing that your contributions are valued, and that you belong. This sense of security allows team members to unleash their creativity, collaborate effectively, and ultimately, achieve more.

Now, let’s bring in the world of improvisational theatre. Improv, at its core, is built on the principles of “Yes, And…”. These two simple words encapsulate a powerful approach to collaboration and creativity:

• “YES!”: This is about radical acceptance. It’s about acknowledging and validating your teammates’ ideas, no matter how unconventional they might seem. In a team setting, “YES!” translates to creating a safe space where everyone feels heard and respected. It’s about removing judgment and fostering trust.
• “AND…”: This is about building upon the foundation laid by your teammates. It’s about contributing your own unique perspective and adding value to the collective effort. In a professional context, “AND…” means taking initiative, sharing your expertise, and working collaboratively to achieve shared goals.

The Powerful Connection

The connection between “Yes, And…” and psychological safety is undeniable. When a team embraces the “Yes, And…” philosophy, it naturally cultivates a culture of psychological safety. By accepting each other’s contributions without judgment (“YES!”) and building upon them (“AND…”), team members create a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone feels empowered to participate.

Project Aristotle’s Echo

Google’s Project Aristotle highlighted that when psychological safety is present, teams thrive. This aligns perfectly with the outcomes of “Yes, And…” in improv. When team members feel safe to contribute, they’re more likely to:

• Share innovative ideas: Fear of judgment stifles creativity. Psychological safety encourages team members to think outside the box and propose new solutions.
• Take calculated risks: When mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, team members are more willing to experiment and try new things.
• Communicate openly and honestly: Psychological safety fosters trust, which is essential for effective communication and collaboration.
• Improve Learning: When people feel safe, they are more likely to ask questions, and learn from mistakes.

Building a “Yes, And…” Culture

So, how can you cultivate a “Yes, And…” culture in your own team? Here are a few practical tips:

• Practice active listening: Pay attention to what your teammates are saying, and acknowledge their contributions.
• Encourage diverse perspectives: Value different viewpoints and create space for everyone to share their ideas.
• Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: Create a culture where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
• Lead by example: Demonstrate the principles of “Yes, And…” in your own interactions with your team.

By embracing the principles of “Yes, And…” and prioritizing psychological safety, you can unlock the full potential of your team and create a truly collaborative and innovative environment. When we all say “YES!” to each other’s ideas, and “AND…” to building upon them, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.

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For the past 30 years, Walt Frasier has performed comedy, theater and music internationally and has appeared on Nickelodeon, HBO, Netflix, Showtime, MTV, NBC, CBS and more. Now the author of numerous books on comedy, The Comedy 4 Life series, Walt Frasier can be found regularly performing and teaching Improv Comedy at the New York Improv Theater, where he serves as Artistic Director. Their signature show, EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH, is now the longest continuous running Improv Comedy Production in New York City, live from Times Square NYC since 2002. His teaching artists offer numerous classes, workshops and even comedy camp for kids, teens and adults DC to Boston and beyond. A NYC DOE VENDOR, their shows Improv 4 Kids and Improv 4 Teens tour k12 schools.A division of Improv Theater LLC Improv Theater LLC is a one stop edutainment center for corporate team building, office / holiday parties and more. Our comedy shows and workshops deliver high impact results. Clients include Google, Mercedes Benz, META /Facebook, TikTok, JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, Morgan Stanley, Twitter, Roblox, Rimowa, EI Digital, Accenture, Datadog HQ, Milbank, BING/Microsoft, Band of America – Merrill Lynch, Home Depot, Ernst & Young, Johnson & Johnson, Louis Vuitton, Coach, UBS, BDO, AMEX, Master Card, Macy’s, 360i, IBM, GM, Kraft, UNILEAVER, HBO, Prudential, Convene, Conference Board and many more…