Workday Playdate

Snack 3: Build a Stronger Team with This Improv Move


Listen Later

It’s time for your Workday Playdate snack—just a quick bite of leadership wisdom before we go deeper on Wednesday. Today, we’re talking about empathy—the leadership skill that turns good teams into great ones.

 

Want a quick and easy way to help your team feel heard? Try this improv-inspired exercise:

 

“Last Word, First Word”

  1. One person starts with a simple sentence. Example: “Our team is growing fast.”
  2. The next person must start their sentence with the last word of the previous sentence. Example: “Fast changes require clear communication.”
  3. Keep going around, building off each other’s words.
  4. Notice how this forces people to really listen and build on what’s being said—just like in a strong, empathetic workplace.

Why does this work? Because it shifts conversations from waiting to speak to actively responding. And that’s where trust starts.

 

Journal Prompt: Who on your team might be feeling unheard? What’s one small way you can make space for their voice this week? Write it down—and take action.

 

If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Empathy Cheat Sheet here. Break out this 3-part list of helpful phrases before heading into any conversation or meeting, responding to an email, or hosting a one-on-one call.

 

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)

  • Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy.
  • Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode.
  • Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.”
  • Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back.
  • Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here.

Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!

  • Erin’s website
  • Erin’s Instagram
  • Erin’s TikTok
  • Erin’s LinkedIn
  • improve it!’s website
  • improve it!’s Instagram
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Workday PlaydateBy Erin Diehl | Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, Keynote Speaker

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

199 ratings


More shows like Workday Playdate

View all
Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz by Ascension

Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz

6,083 Listeners

20/20 by ABC News

20/20

11,344 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

112,814 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,200 Listeners

Crime Junkie by audiochuck

Crime Junkie

364,070 Listeners

Dateline NBC by NBC News

Dateline NBC

47,947 Listeners

MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories by Ballen Studios

MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

27,475 Listeners