Playing With How You Think (OPINION)

I think that fits nicely with the theory that leadership is part science and part art. It’s never just about what you do, because the outcome is influenced greatly by how you do it. 

As an example, I offer up the routine in-flight air travel announcements given prior to a plane’s departure. While the purpose — or the what — is noble, as it is safety awareness, the method with which it is relayed — or the how — is ineffective.

The announcements are completely monotonous and, therefore, often ignored, and this defeats the purpose. If the goal is for passengers to be educated and informed, then the current message needs to be shared differently. 

Here is an example of how that would go:

“This is flight No. 747 en route to Lincoln, Neb.

“We appreciate your extended patience while we allow the ground crew a little extra time to load the baggage. Past experience tells us that passengers are not amused when they’re headed to Lincoln, Nebraska, and their luggage is vacationing in Hawaii.

“OK, the cabin doors are now closed. Any electronic items with an on/off switch must be placed in the off position, as these devices can interfere with the planes navigational systems. We’ll all wait for seat 18B to comply. 

“While you are seated throughout the flight, we ask that you keep your seatbelts securely fastened about you. We will not be demonstrating this procedure. The seatbelt has been standard-issue in all cars since 1958, and we don’t intend to insult your intelligence by demonstrating its usage. 

“In the event the cabin loses pressure, an oxygen mask will fall from a compartment just above your head. The first thing that we ask you to do is stop screaming! It frightens the other passengers. Place the oxygen cup over your mouth and nose and breathe normally. Oxygen is flowing even if the bag does not inflate.

“In the event our jetliner suddenly becomes a cruise ship, your seat bottom cushion may be used as a flotation device. 

“Once we are cruising at a safe altitude, we will begin a pricey beverage and snack service. At 35,000 feet, it’s really all about supply and demand. 

“Once we reach our gate in Lincoln, Nebraska, we need everyone to stand up immediately and begin clamoring and pushing toward the front of the aircraft as this will certainly expedite the deplaning process. 

“We know that you have a choice in air travel, and we greatly appreciate you flying with us. Well, we appreciate those of you who were delightful.  The knuckleheads: not so much. 

“Thank you for your attention to these announcements.” 

In my opinion, this delivery would better capture the attention of the passengers and, therefore, have the intended effect.

So style really does matter. 

This is precisely why the art of improvisation plays such a key role in business and leadership thinking. Improv is defined as “playing with how you think.” 

Bruce Nussbaum, author of “Creative Intelligence,” writes about the value of improv as being “the powerful creative competence of reframing.”  Reframing encourages alternative perspectives. 

I use improv in leadership thinking because of that exact reframing characteristic. Improv capitalizes on the creative process to help reframe how leaders interpret — and therefore leverage — their personal style. 

Intentional effort applied to leadership competencies (science) will undoubtedly serve a leader well. The differentiation, though, is how the leader chooses to demonstrate his or her mastered skills (art).

Whether we think about improv in terms of merging science with art, or understanding the subtleties between what is done versus how it’s done — in the end — it is a matter of thinking differently. 

Stacey Mason is the owner of Mason on Leadership and uses insight, perspective and humor to move people toward greater self-awareness and thought leadership. More information is available at masononleadership.com.