Delivering Happiness Applied Improv Style – A Pilot with Tony Hsieh

I was at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on Friday for a National Association of Women Business Owners event with over 250 people. This was a speaking event for author and CEO Tony Hsieh as part of his Delivering Happiness Bus Tour. Tony has presented at countless events – but I was about to “pilot” the use of applied improv at this one. I couldn’t help but ask myself (along with a pinch!), how did I get here?!

For those of you who do not know, Tony Hsieh is the CEO of Zappos.com, an online retail company and one of Fortune 100’s Top Companies to Work For 2009. He is also author of the #1 New York Bestseller list “Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose.” I read this book earlier this year and quickly became obsessed with the message. I may have even told friends and family that Tony was my soul mate (I mean, how could it not be so?!) The book focuses on the culture Tony built at Zappos: employees feel connected to their work and each other, they are encouraged to bring their authenticity into work, and their personal values match the company values (all of which leads to greater happiness). I quickly became Tony’s ambassador and talked nonstop about the book to…well, everyone. In fact, I may be responsible for most of Tony’s book sales in the Greater DC area.

When I heard Tony was speaking at an American Marketing Association event in Washington DC, I bought my ticket in 1.5 seconds. At the event, luckily I had a cough attack that placed me in a one-on-one hallway conversation with Jenn Lim, the Chief Happiness Officer of the Bus Tour (and quite an inspiring leader!) I had just returned from Amsterdam for the annual Applied Improvisation Network conference where my passion was ignited for using improv comedy techniques to foster creativity within organizations.

I talked to Jenn about the connection between applied improv and building a creative culture. Jenn could sense my excitement and suggested I talk to Tony about the idea. I did. Tony may have been more intrigued with my passion than the actual idea at this point but he suggested I attend the social events in DC to get to know the team. I proposed the idea of an applied improv “pilot” in LA to Tony and Jenn shortly following their DC trip. They agreed! Uh oh. I realized that my fear was not that they would say no, but that they would say yes. My new favorite quote came in handy here, “Feel the fear, and do it anyway!”

Nerves notwithstanding, the pilot was a success! I had two goals: create a sense of community in the room and inspire creativity. My not-so-scientific success measures: my inability to get people to sit down after the first “get to know you” activity (sense of community!) and the number of laughs during an activity where people on stage created a story together, one word at a time (creativity inspired!) Oh - and Tony’s fist bump following the event! With limited time, here is what I did:

Tell the Name of Your Story
A big part of Zappos culture is community (Core Value: Build a Positive Team and Family Spirit). Tony opens his home up to Zappos employees during Thanksgiving to promote this value. We are a community in this room today. Let’s get to know each other. Tell the story of your name to a partner. It can be your first, middle, last name, or a nickname. It can also be a nickname that never caught on that you wish would have (maybe Bubbles? Or Killer?) For those of you who are thinking, I don’t have a story here is a hint: Make it up. Tell your partner at the end so they can celebrate your creativity! I want you to stand when you do this. In terms of choosing your partner, look around and the person you lock eyes with is your partner (could be an opportunity to connect with that cutie who you saw walk in the room).

One Word at a Time Story
Another aspect of Zappos culture is creativity (Core Value: Be Adventurous, Creative and Open-Minded). How do we inspire creativity in ourselves and others? There is a concept used in improv comedy called “Accept Every Offer.” This concept does not mean agreement with the idea but it does mean that you hear, see and understand the offer AND you figure out a way to use it. There is a game used in improve called “One Word at a Time Story” where a group of people create a story, one word at a time. Each person must use the word provided by the person before them in order to create the next word. I need 5 volunteers. A couple reminders: keep the pace moving quickly as this is about reacting vs thinking and please provide 1 word (not 2 or 3). I need a word from the audience: What do you think of when you think of the Big Blue Happiness Bus? Debrief: What was the experience of being forced to use the word in front of you? How did this inspire creativity?

Tony poses an intriguing question during his presentations: “What would you be passionate about doing for 10 years even if you didn’t get paid a dime?” This is what you should be doing. Do you know your answer? I am pondering mine as I sit here in the killer delivering happiness T-shirt I have not taken off since the event.

My Time (A Poem for Summer Amin in Honor of Fall)

Step aside, it’s my time.

You had your time, Mr. African Wool Scarf
Some would say (OK, me) that you wore out your welcome
You lucked out though
You were out every day for months
“Snowmageddon” was your friend…your very best friend
And each day you would say to us “Jambo.”
I was convinced it meant FU
In some strange African language
I silently sent you death wishes..
And later learned it meant a friendly greeting in Swahili
Sorry about that…cultural misunderstanding.
Friends?

And no can deny your raw beauty Floral Silk Skirt.
But that high voice and energetic, positive spirit
It is enough to make me puke.
Did you invent the word chipper?
And who says “TOODALOO!” but you?
Every time you dash out for brunch
Or sit in Dupont Circle
It’s Chitty Chitty Chitty Chat the whole time
I know because I can hear you from this closet
You typically take Little Black Knit with you though
Which I appreciate;
You know how Knit can get so down
He brings us all down with him.
So thanks for that.
We have spent many Summer and Winters together Floral
But let’s face it..
When we are apart in Spring
It’s a really nice break.

And you Itty Bitty Black Bikini
Hi.
Remember that crazy night this Summer when we were paired together?
I never would have thought THAT would happen
ME….Tall, Brown Boots
And YOU…Itty Bitty Black Bikini
But it worked
And we looked good
I know you said it would never happen again
But you told me you like to lie (which is cool, I accept all of you)
So I hold out hope
That sort of passion needs to live another day
Anything else is just cruel

And now?
Well, I feel the breeze at night through the window
The air is cool
And Big Suzy Sweater left today
She always goes on right before me.
But what if I don’t have what it takes?
I am older now
I have scuffs and my zipper gives me trouble when it rains
While Classic
I can’t compete with new, trendy Motorcycle Boots
But I have to trust that what is meant to be will be
And I bring value, darn it
And my self-worth is NOT defined by the number of wears
You know what, all you old Classic Tall Brown Boots, rise up
Rise up I say!
And speak your truth
You are unique beings and don’t need anyone to tell you what you are worth!
Join me now in a chant that goes like….(trails off)
Oh thank God! I am being worn.
I knew I would be.
See you later suckers (mainly Motorcycle Boots)
It’s my time!

What do Improv Comedy, Amsterdam and a Psychic have in common?

I went to a psychic recently. His name is Mike, Mike the Psychic. When it comes to psychics, I would probably put myself in the category of “intrigued, somewhat doubtful.” My motivation for going was to get a glimpse into what would make me feel fulfilled, why am I here exactly? (You know…on Earth. Clearly I wanted to start with the real easy stuff.)

I immediately had an affinity towards Mike when I met him.

He is kind, present, extremely connected and hip (this quality in particular is very important for any psychic!) Mike clearly has a gift for what he does. I envisioned hitting the town with him, engaging in scintillating conversation about my future over vodka tonics, telling my friends “Oh, yes, well MY psychic friend Mike told me…” As it were, for weeks following the chat with Mike, my friend and I joked “WWMD” or “What Would Mike Do” every time we had to make a decision, big or small. “What kind of coffee do you want?” “I don’t know, what do you think Mike would order?”

Here was Mike’s suggestion: Make a puzzle. Erg, come again? On every piece of the puzzle, Mike wanted me to write down one thing I love, that I am passionate about, that makes me feel alive. If I did this, the story of my life would become clear.

Like a good student, I made this puzzle. I even made it pretty. Nothing on the pieces particularly surprised me (it included things like helping clients reach their big goals, social good, international development, improv comedy, coaching, creating experiences, facilitation, deep connection, etc) It was a beautiful picture but not a clear story per se. So I waited. Weeks went by and nothing. Then one day…

I was having a hallway conversation with a colleague in a fairly non-descript office building in downtown Washington DC about career and life. I am pretty sure I interrupted her mid-sentence to say “Wouldn’t that be great if we could get paid to do improv comedy?” Where did this come from? While I have taken improv comedy classes, I am no Will Ferrell, nor do I necssarily aspire to be (but love your work Will!) But what I do love is the in the moment skills required in improv, and the creativity that arises when it happens. In fact, these are the qualities I hold dear in coaching as well. I received an email from this colleague the next day with a link to an improv consulting company in Portland that looked almost as hip as Mike. This site in turn led me to the Applied Improv Network.

The Applied Improv Network is a network of professionals who use improv and theatre techniques to foster creativity, adaptability within organizations. Who knew there was an entire network of people focused on this area? How radical. How fun. There is a conference happening of this group in a few weeks. I am going, and it took me about 1 second to decide (which told me something as well given typically I would plan for months for an international trip!)

I am not sure where this will lead, but I am excited and open. The puzzle was a sweet little song to the universe about who I am, and what makes me feel fulfilled. I feel the universe is now on my side, sort of like a little buddy. Or in this case, a very big buddy. It feels good to have a big buddy on my side.

And in case you were wondering, yes, I still make every life decision according to what Mike would want (that is a joke, sort of)

Got (Some) Talent

It was a couple days before the First Annual St. Clair Talent Show and I was hearing grumblings: “I don’t have any talents.” “Do I have to do a talent?” “This is too much pressure for a vacation!” “Leave it to Beth…”

I had the crazy idea to plan the first ever St. Clair Talent Show this year - to be held at the Outer Banks during our family reunion. It seemed like a fantastic idea at the time. Doesn’t that sound like fun - to let your talents shine and impress your family with talents they never knew you had? However, two days before the talent show I was beginning to wonder if my grandiose plan to release the creative genius in everyone on the planet (starting with my family) was turning out to be a bad idea. Were people just not that into it?

So the day of, I (hesitantly) asked (more like mumbled) to each person “what is the name of your talent?” I needed to put together a list of acts so Emcee Scott could announce them. I was half expecting some sarcastic one-liners but to my surprise, every single family member (all 17) had a talent. And in some cases, people had two! I noticed they were having fun coming up with creative/silly names for their talents and as I looked around, I noticed that people were practicing.

Clearly the energy had shifted…people were excited (whew!)

As the show got underway, my brother in law “Emcee Scott” indicated that the only ground rule was that we had to support each and every act through applause…easy enough. Oh, and quick update to the scoring: the “raw talent” evaluation criteria changed to “raw passion” because that is what really matters anyways. As the acts got underway, I was like a proud parent. Each and every act was creative beyond what I could have imagined. Here is a snapshot:

Body Tricks: I was equally impressed by mom’s ability to stick her entire fist in her mouth (and provide a step by step instructional for anyone crazy enough to try it) as I was with my brother Cameron’s ability to “pop” several of his body parts, including his ears (serious, he has big ears).

Song and Dance: Amy and I made up a “St. Clair Slide” dance that is now sweeping the nation (What? You have not heard of it? Your town is very isolated and you need to consider moving to a “hipper” area). The little ones all sang songs, including my 2-year old nephew who performed Twinkle Twinkle Little Star song …er, until he got distracted half-way through and decided he had more important things to do, like visit his crush auntie Hannah. Cameron’s girlfriend Hannah put on quite a show rapping about she first met Cameron. Key Line: “I am not so sure about this Cameron St. Clair!” And Scott’s rendition of Sweet Caroline in Pig Latin: one word, impressive. My uncle and cousin put on a performance that is a bit tough to describe. It included acting like they were playing the piano, hitting the keys with a certain body part to remain unnamed (pretty stuff funny, actually).

Saturday Night Live: My cousins put on a deadpan performance of Delicious Dish which had everyone laughing. They even incorporated Cameron’s red sauce from the night prior (nice touch ladies). And my dad…wow. He put on a 10-minute one-man performance as an obscure SNL character Leonard Pirth-Garnell that reviewed “really, really” bad movies. To appreciate my dad’s performance, you must understand that my dad does not like performing at all. In fact, I am pretty sure he despises it. At a Christmas event growing up he was pulled on stage to be Rudolph - expected to dance around in a red nose. I remember being embarrassed for him because he clearly hated every second. And here he was – doing a smart, witty performance of a actor based on a script he wrote himself.

Other Fun Stuff: My brother Tommy and his wife Marra did a mind-reading performance. While I am pretty sure that Marra does not actually read minds, I do not know how they did this trick! (seriously guys, hints?) Reading my poem at Busboys was so fun, I decided to read a few more. When reading a poem called “Hello, Love” I looked at my sister, who had tears streaming down her face. That caused me to tear up. I felt vulnerable and alive…and happy to share my feelings about this with my family.

So, I would say that the first ever St. Clair Talent Show was a success….I cannot wait for the next one (um, did I hear a grumble?)

Ode to a Burrito
You know who
You Are
You handsome……devil you.
There is no need to be coy.
Let us not
Waste time
with Games.

Give me
What you know
I Want
What I Deserve
What I Crave.

With every taste of you
I want more.
I will not stop
Until I have
All of You
Because with you
I am never Full.


A Vampire Dilemma

Just one bite, Vampire
My Love
And I would be with you
For, eternity?

But what type of vampire would
I Be
To leave daylight behind
And Embrace the Night.

I always keep the night light on
You know that
Does it have the same effect on vampires as the sun?

And my Parents
They go to bed so early
I may never see them.
But…That might be OK.

The real bummer
I just bought a
Temper pedic mattress
And I know
It would never fit in that custom coffin you built for me

Really
And all that BLOOD
Biting into flesh
Over
And
Over.
You know how much blood makes me queasy, LOVE.
I once fainted when my sister stubbed her toe.

And my heart is so big
Where would all my love go?
Maybe I could keep a partial heart?
Two thirds, perhaps?

And While I love YOU
Let’s be honest
I don’t really like your vampire friends
Would an eternity with YOU
Mean an eternity with them?

Ah my VAMPIRE Love,
I Cannot
Should not
As much as I do Love You
Sigh
Break ups are so hard
Honey, why are your fangs out?

Hello, Love

I am more me
Than I have ever been
When I am
with you.

Your smile
Fills me
Your knowing
Of me
Makes me strong

Your loving arms
Could Fit the entire
World
Your Heart,
The Ocean

You have
A deep knowing
Of You
That pulls
Me in.
And you choose me.

Thank you for
Seeing me
All of me
And loving
Every fiber

We are now one
My eye is your eye
My Arm, Your Arm
My heart, Your Heart.

We have known
Each other
For eternities
Before
and will
After
This Life

How I
Cannot wait to
meet You
To greet you.
I will open my arms.
And say
Hello, love
Welcome home.

What Does a White Girl Have to be Angry About?

I read a poem recently at DC's Busboys and Poets. Here is the cool part: it was a poem I wrote (and it was a real angry one too) Here is the experience…

I was nervous and listening to Soft Cells "Tainted Love" on the walk over to Busboys and Poets. Somehow the song did nothing to calm my nerves (I know, go figure. This confused me too and is worth a deeper discussion later!) I walked into the open mic room alone which gave me time to take it in - the lonely looking microphone, the artsy crowd, the obscure art on the walls.

It was then that my eyes wandered to an intense painting on stage. I was surprised that I did not notice it right away, the painting was so powerful. I really liked it. There were Black Empowerment words painted near the man's face - things like freedom and reform. Then I noticed in the bottom right corner - it was tough to make out at first, almost as if it was an after thought, but it was there. In small letters were the words "White - Ego." Just like that. I could hear my introduction…“White girl will now read an angry poem. What does she have to be angry about?"

Reading the poem aloud felt great, no…liberating. The poem itself was about a recent break-up I experienced and the anger that followed the separation. It was the first poem I had ever read aloud. Come to mention it, it was the first real poem I had ever written. After the reading, the Emcee commented, “Let me guess…single?” (How did you guess.)

That night was the inspiration for this blog.

I have always tried to live every moment, sucking the teat of life for all its worth. (As a sidenote, “Sucking the Teat of Life” was almost the name of this blog. Good thing my brilliant sister Amy came up with “world as my muse!”) I find the experiences in life I really enjoy are those that force living life in the moment, experiences that challenge us to step outside what is comfortable and push us to see ourselves for who we are and what we are capable of in a completely new light. I felt that when I read the poem. I am a poet? Who knew.

I am also a co-active life coach, strategic planning consulting guru, improv comedy student, social entrepreneur, aspiring writer, karaoke singer (Note: what I lack in singing talent I make up for in raw passion), sister and daughter, and committed friend. And I am sweet, and get angry. And all these things and none of these things define me (Yes, I realize that probably just blew your mind.)

So here it goes, my first blog, about what viewing the world as – quite literally – the muse that inspires and fulfills us to our core…