Hello, how are you doing?
I hope you’re well.
I’ve got a treat for you this week. My friend Nick Parker, who I interviewed in episode #75, mentioned a reading retreat that he went on and suggested I interview the guy who set it up, because that person cares very deeply about fatherhood too.
That guy, Rob Poynton, turned out to be the author of a book I’d read on improvisation, and is the person I talk with in this week’s podcast.
We dive into how improvisation can help all aspects of your life, especially parenting
We discuss the need for pausing in today’s hectic world
And we also explore how to have a good conversation.
As well as many other things.
I love Rob’s approach to improv and as it turns out, parenting:
Notice more
Let go
Use Everything
I think this way of thinking has so much to offer and I’m going to lean into it more myself.
I really hope you enjoy this conversation with Rob.
Big hug
Rich
If you’d like to find out more about Rob, visit his website and check out his books.
P.S. If you’re wondering about the photo, Rob had just cleaned the chimney.
Takeaways
Improvisation is a valuable skill in everyday life, particularly in parenting and organisational contexts.
Pausing and embracing uncertainty are essential for navigating change and responding effectively to unexpected situations.
Improvisation is about being present, paying attention, and using everything that comes your way.
Creating the conditions for collaboration and inclusivity is crucial in both parenting and organisational settings.
Shifting from seeking the 'right' way to embracing 'good' ways of doing things can lead to more creativity and flexibility. Allow conversations to flow naturally and don't be constrained by rigid time limits.
Be present in conversations and avoid wasting people's time.
Use practices from improv, such as being physically present and creating action, to improve conversations.
Embrace vulnerability in conversations and create space for yourself to nourish your well-being.
Prioritise quality conversations and recognise their impact on relationships and personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:13 Book Release and Background
04:09 The Importance of Pausing
05:09 The Power of Improvisation in Everyday Life
06:08 The Difference Between Improv and Stand-Up
08:00 The Audience's Response to Improv
09:31 The Application of Improv in Parenting
10:25 The Messiness of Parenting and Organizational Life
11:50 Creating the Conditions for Collaboration
15:12 The Rules of Improv
20:22 Slowing Down and Letting Go
22:45 Shifting from the Right Way to Good Ways
24:38 Being a Facilitator in Parenting
27:04 Creating the Conditions for Conversations
29:52 Using Objects as Conversation Tools
35:37 Including Outlier Perspectives
37:33 Setting Up Family Meetings
40:21 Knowing When to End a Conversation
41:15 The Importance of Allowing Conversations to Flow Naturally
42:44 Leadership and Sensing When a Conversation is Done
44:08 Creating Quality Time and Being Present in Conversations
45:33 Practices from Improv for Better Conversations
48:48 Using Physical Practices to Improve Conversations
49:43 Action vs Activity in Conversations
51:31 Interrupting Routines to Create Action in Conversations
55:53 The Essence of Good Conversation
59:43 The Importance of Vulnerability in Conversations
01:07:07 The Reading Retreat and Creating Space for Yourself
01:12:14 Setting Healthy Boundaries for Yourself
01:19:25 Taking Time for Reflection and Prioritising What Matters
How improvisation, pausing and the art of good conversation can help with parenting