Building Super Teams: Establish Strong Trusting Teams through Improv: Isaac Ongpauco

Teamwork is at the heart of every successful organization, yet building a truly strong and
trusting team is often easier said than done. Many workplaces struggle with miscommunication,
lack of trust, and difficulty in collaboration, which can hinder productivity and innovation. This
seminar introduced an unconventional yet highly effective approach to team building—
improvisation (improv). At first, improv may seem like something only actors and comedians
use, but it serves as a powerful tool in fostering teamwork, adaptability, and open
communication. The seminar emphasized how improv techniques can create a more cohesive
and engaged team by encouraging active listening, mutual support, and a mindset of
collaboration. Just like in an improv scene where every participant builds on each other's ideas,
successful teams thrive when members listen, adapt, and contribute positively. Key takeaways
from the seminar included strategies for building trust, breaking down communication barriers,
and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Through interactive
activities and real-world applications, the seminar highlighted how applying improv principles in
a professional setting can lead to stronger, more effective teams.
One of the most eye-opening aspects of the seminar was how improv principles can be
seamlessly integrated into workplace dynamics. Unlike traditional team-building exercises that
may feel forced or awkward, improv is natural, engaging, and fun, making it an effective method
for bringing people together. The most impactful concept for me was the "Yes, and..." principle.
This approach encourages individuals to build upon each other's ideas rather than dismissing
them outright. It fosters a culture of openness, where all contributions are valued, and everyone
feels empowered to share their thoughts. The exercises we participated in were simple yet
profoundly effective. One activity required us to tell a collaborative story, with each participant
adding a sentence using the "Yes, and..." technique. This demonstrated how embracing ideas, no
matter how unexpected, leads to creativity and innovation. In a workplace setting, this approach
can break down hierarchies, encourage collaboration, and inspire new ideas. It taught me that
rejecting ideas too quickly can shut down creative thinking, while a more open-minded approach
leads to better solutions and stronger teamwork. Another key takeaway was the importance of
active listening. Many of us assume we are good listeners, but we often listen just enough to
prepare our response rather than fully absorbing what the other person is saying. The seminar
emphasized that in improv—and in teamwork—listening is just as crucial as speaking. In one
exercise, we had to repeat and build upon what our partner said before adding our own input.
This reinforced the value of truly hearing and understanding others before contributing a lesson
that is incredibly relevant in any professional setting. Beyond listening and adaptability, the
seminar also focused on trust. Trust is the foundation of any high-functioning team, but it cannot
be built overnight. The activities required us to rely on one another, making us realize that trust
develops through consistent actions, mutual respect, and the willingness to support others
without hesitation. One exercise involved physically leaning on a partner and trusting them to
keep us upright—a powerful metaphor for teamwork in real life. It made me reflect on how
important it is to create an environment where colleagues feel psychologically safe, knowing
they can depend on one another.
I found this seminar incredibly engaging, and it sparked my interest in exploring more
about how improv can be applied in professional settings. I would be interested in attending
more sessions in this seminar series because it offers a fresh and practical approach to teamwork,
one that feels less like traditional corporate training and more like an interactive learning
experience. The skills taught here are not just theoretical but are immediately applicable in real-
world scenarios. The insights gained from this seminar will be invaluable in my future career.
Regardless of the industry or role I pursue, teamwork will always be a fundamental aspect of
success. Whether working in a corporate setting, running a business, or being part of a project-
based team, the ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and collaborate seamlessly will be
essential. One of the keyways I plan to apply what I learned is by adopting the "Yes, and..."
approach in brainstorming and discussions. Instead of immediately pointing out flaws in an idea,
I will try to build upon it, encouraging a more positive and creative problem-solving
environment. This technique will help foster a more open and innovative workspace where team
members feel comfortable contributing without fear of rejection or criticism. Additionally, I now
have a deeper understanding of the importance of active listening. In any professional setting,
whether in meetings, negotiations, or daily conversations, truly listening to others can enhance
communication, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen relationships. I plan to practice this
by focusing more on the speaker, asking thoughtful follow-up questions, and summarizing their
points before responding. These small but impactful habits can make a significant difference in
how effectively I communicate and collaborate with others. The seminar also reinforced the
importance of trust-building. I realized that trust is not just about reliability but also about
creating an environment where people feel valued and respected. In the future, I aim to
contribute to a workplace culture where team members support and uplift each other, rather than
competing or undermining one another. By being consistent, dependable, and open-minded, I can
help cultivate strong, trusting relationships within any team I am part of. Without a doubt, I
would highly recommend this seminar to students, professionals, and anyone interested in
improving their teamwork and communication skills. Unlike traditional lectures or training
programs, this session was interactive, engaging, and full of valuable insights that can be applied
immediately in real-life scenarios. One of the biggest strengths of this seminar was its practical
approach. Instead of just discussing theories about teamwork, it provided hands-on activities that
allowed us to experience firsthand how trust, adaptability, and active listening play a role in
effective collaboration. The lessons learned were not only relevant to the workplace but also
applicable in personal relationships and everyday interactions. Moreover, the seminar addressed
a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of professional development—soft skills. Many educational
and corporate programs focus primarily on technical expertise, but soft skills like
communication, teamwork, and trust-building are equally, if not more, important in achieving
long-term success. This seminar fills that gap by equipping participants with skills that will serve
them well in any career path.
In addition, the energy and enthusiasm of the speaker made the session even more enjoyable. The
way the concepts were presented kept the audience engaged, making the learning process both
effective and enjoyable. It was refreshing to see a seminar that was not just informative but also
genuinely fun, proving that learning does not have to be dull or rigid. In conclusion, this seminar
was a valuable experience that provided me with essential skills that will undoubtedly benefit me
in my professional journey. It reinforced the importance of adaptability, communication, and
trust in teamwork and gave me practical tools to implement these principles moving forward.
Given the relevance and effectiveness of the topics covered, I strongly encourage others to attend
this seminar and experience its benefits firsthand. Whether you are a student, a young
professional, or an experienced leader, the insights gained from this session will help you
become a better team player and contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.