Business Improv

Val Gee's Business Improv: Experiential Learning Exercises to Train Employees is a practical, handbook-style resource for utilizing improvisational games in the workplace. Published in 2011 by McGraw-Hill, the book is designed for the trainer or manager who needs a ready-to-use library of activities that can improve communication, teamwork, and employee engagement. Unlike more theoretical works on the subject, Gee's book is focused almost entirely on implementation, providing clear instructions for dozens of exercises that have been adapted for the professional environment.

The book is organized by the specific business goals each exercise is intended to serve: including 'Icebreaking and Warming Up,' 'Team Building,' 'Effective Communication,' and 'Creativity and Problem Solving.' Gee utilizes the principles of 'experiential learning': the idea that people learn best by doing and then reflecting on that experience. Each exercise includes a detailed 'Debriefing' section, which provides the facilitator with the critical questions needed to help participants connect the game they just played to their daily work responsibilities. The book emphasizes that the goal is not to 'be funny,' but to use the spirit of play to unlock the natural human capacities for cooperation and insight.

The text is written in a straightforward, accessible voice, intended for those who may have no prior experience with theatrical improvisation. It is filled with tips on how to manage 'resistant' participants and how to create a safe, supportive environment for group work. Business Improv serves as a foundational tool for any trainer looking to add 'active learning' to their repertoire and to bring more energy and spontaneity into the corporate training room.

Business Improv is regarded as a solid and reliable resource in the world of corporate training. Reviewers often praise Val Gee for her clear instructions and her emphasis on the importance of the 'debrief.' While it is less revolutionary than some more recent works in the 'Applied Improv' field, its practical, categorized format makes it an easy and effective 'go-to' for busy professionals. It has become a staple for many trainers who want to infuse their programs with more energy and interactivity without needing a background in theater.