The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback: Improv Strategies for Workplace Success

Columbus Urban League summer youth conference.

June 2024

I’m not very good at receiving gifts—a trait I picked up from my father. As a child, gifts felt transactional. If I asked for a Nintendo 64 and got it, my mental reaction was simply, I asked, you delivered, transaction complete.

In college, after performing in my senior musical, a friend told me, “The show was so good!” My immediate response? “Good. We rehearsed for eight weeks; it should be good.” She quickly reminded me to just say, “Thank you.”

This experience stuck with me. As I pursued a career in corporate improv and facilitation, I started noticing how this “gift logic” plays out in professional spaces—especially when it comes to feedback. Just like in improv, where every offer is a gift to move the scene forward, workplace feedback can be treated as a gift to strengthen collaboration, connection, and growth.

The Role of Gifts in Improv

In improvisational theater, performers learn that every interaction is a gift. If a scene partner hands you an imaginary cup of coffee, it’s not just a simple action—it’s an invitation to build something together. Improv’s golden rule, “Yes, and…” teaches us to accept what’s offered and contribute in return.

Corporate improv workshops use this same principle to teach teams how to listen actively, respond constructively, and embrace collaboration. Feedback in the workplace follows a similar rhythm: every piece of constructive criticism or praise is an opportunity to move the “scene” forward, fostering better communication and team dynamics.

Giving Feedback: Offering the Gift

When giving feedback, think of it as presenting a thoughtful gift rather than pointing out flaws. How you deliver it makes all the difference. A careless or blunt comment can feel like a re-gifted item with no consideration, while specific, actionable feedback feels intentional and valuable.

For example, instead of saying, “Your report wasn’t clear,” try offering, “I think adding a summary at the start would help clarify your key points.” This framing keeps the tone constructive and empowers the recipient to build on the feedback.

Corporate improv techniques, such as framing suggestions positively, can make delivering feedback less daunting. Facilitators often use exercises to teach team members how to balance honesty with encouragement, fostering trust and collaboration.

Receiving Feedback: Embracing the Gift

In improv, rejecting your partner’s offer stalls the scene, just as defensiveness or dismissal can halt progress in a professional setting. Instead, aim to treat feedback as an opportunity.

When someone offers constructive criticism, take a moment to pause and acknowledge their effort. A simple “Thank you” goes a long way in maintaining an open dialogue. If you need more context, follow up with, “Could you give me an example of where I could improve?” This approach mirrors the improv practice of accepting and building on a partner’s offer, ensuring the exchange is collaborative rather than confrontational.

Corporate improv activities often emphasize the importance of staying present and responsive—two essential skills for gracefully receiving feedback.

Feedback in Action

Integrating the principles of corporate improv into your team’s feedback culture can improve communication and create a stronger sense of collaboration. Here are two ways to put these ideas into practice:

• Feedback Celebrations: Dedicate a portion of team meetings to highlight feedback moments. For example, ask each person to share one piece of feedback they received and how they’re applying it. This normalizes feedback and demonstrates its value as a tool for growth.

• Improv-Based Workshops: Invest in corporate improv training to help team members practice giving and receiving feedback in a supportive environment. These workshops often use fun, interactive exercises to teach active listening, creative problem-solving, and how to turn feedback into action.

Embracing the Gift of Feedback

Viewing feedback as a gift shifts the way we approach it. Whether you’re giving or receiving, it’s about fostering connection, encouraging growth, and driving collaboration—key takeaways from both improv training and workplace best practices.

Next time you’re in a feedback moment, think about the spirit of corporate improv: accept the gift, build on it, and see how it transforms your team culture. By approaching feedback with this mindset, you’ll create a workplace where innovation, creativity, and connection thrive.