A simple improv-based exercise to improve your brainstorming

Peppercomm is a funny place to work.

No, literally.

For the last 15 years, the PR agency has trained its staff on improvisational comedy. CEO Steve Cody believes it’s a key reason for their low turnover. But in addition to creating a great culture, it also allows for better client work.

“It knocks down barriers, it brings people together,” Cody said. “We have our own guardrails in terms of what is and is not acceptable. And it’s also opened our minds from a creativity, innovation and imagination standpoint.”

In a recent Ragan Training video, Cody and Robert Duda, SVP and auto and transportation strategist at Peppercomm, demonstrated an easy improv exercise that helped the agency refine its   brainstorming sessions. It’s based off the foundational improv concept of “yes, and” — in other words, building on someone’s idea rather than closing a door.