Build a Stronger Team Through Improvisation

31/05/2025

Improvisation Training for Companies: More Than Just Team Building
Improvisational theater, or improv, is more than entertainment – it's a powerful tool for team development. Around the world, more and more companies are discovering how improv methods can boost communication, creativity, and trust in the workplace.

Global players like Google, PepsiCo, and McKinsey & Company are already successfully integrating improv training into their team and leadership development programs.

Why Improv Works in the Business World

Improv means creating something out of nothing – without a script, relying only on attentive listening, collaboration, and courage. In business, these same skills are essential. Applied improvisation trains participants to:

Communicate clearly and constructively
Adapt to change and the unexpected
Build trust quickly
Take initiative without fear of mistakes

And the best part? It all happens through play – in a safe, supportive, and energizing environment.

What if your next team workshop didn’t feel like one?

Who's Using Improv – and Why

Google: Ethics and Innovation Through Improvisation

Google uses improvisation-based workshops to strengthen ethical decision-making within teams. The project "Moral Imagination" is built on methods from improvisational theater and has been implemented across more than 50 teams company-wide.
🔗 More on this in the research paper: Moral Imagination at Google

Improvisation techniques are also used to improve customer communication, helping teams respond more flexibly and empathetically in direct interactions.
🔗 Source: TrainingMag – Creating Better Customer Relationships Through Improv

PepsiCo: More Flexibility and Empathy in Customer Interactions

PepsiCo integrates improvisation training into employee development programs to enhance communication skills and emotional intelligence within teams. The exercises help employees respond more spontaneously and adapt more effectively to different types of clients.
🔗 Source: TrainingMag.com

McKinsey: Team Building Through Improvisation Groups

McKinsey has also embraced improvisation in a unique way: at their New York office, a regularly meeting improv group is led by a professional coach. Core improv skills such as agreement ("Yes, and...") and emotional expression are practiced there – with a noticeable positive impact on team dynamics and collaboration.
🔗 Read the blog post on McKinsey.com

What You Can Expect from an Expat Improv Workshop

In our workshops, your team will experience:

A fun, energizing session full of laughter and surprises
A safe space to try something new – even for skeptics
Deepened trust and appreciation among colleagues
A shift in perspective, openness, and collaboration

Participants leave with a renewed sense of creativity and connection – plus concrete tools they can apply to everyday work life.

Key Facts

Group size: 2–300 participants
Location: On-site (across Germany and Europe)
Duration: Flexible – from 90-minute sessions to full-day or multi-day workshops
Language: English, German or Dutch

Ready to Energize Your Team?

Let's talk! Whether you're planning a team event, kick-off, or leadership training – we'll tailor a workshop to fit your goals and group.
📩 Contact us at: business@expatimprov.com

We use improv games to practice skills like agreement, emotion, and adaptability."
— McKinsey-Employee

Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/meet-our-people/careers-blog/coffee-chat-luke