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Unscripted resilience: Improv as a training tool for business continuity and emergency management leaders
Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning,
18
(3),
268-280
(2025)
Abstract
Effective leadership training is crucial for fostering organisational resilience and ensuring community safety in the dynamic fields of emergency management and business continuity. Traditional training methods often fail to develop the adaptability and quick thinking necessary for crises. This paper explores the innovative use of improvisational (improv) techniques as a potent training tool for developing critical leadership skills. Improv exercises enhance adaptability, quick decision making and clear communication, preparing leaders to handle crises confidently and swiftly. Furthermore, the paper highlights how improv fosters team building by encouraging collaboration, trust and mutual support among team members. By leveraging improv, organisations can better equip their leaders with the skills to manage realworld emergencies, maintain resilient operations and strengthen team cohesion. The paper also connects improv training to established leadership theories, underscoring its critical role in emergency and emergency management.
Keywords: improvisational training; emergency management; business continuity; leadership development; adaptability; decision making; communication skills; team building; organisational resilience
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Jaeson A. Weber Weber is a seasoned emergency management executive with a distinguished career spanning higher education, government and private sectors. Specialising in developing and enhancing organisational emergency management, business continuity and emergency management programmes, Jaeson has significantly contributed to the field through his innovative strategies and practical solutions. He leverages his extensive expertise to guide organisations across various industries in strategising and implementing robust, sustainable resilience programmes. With a global footprint, Jaeson is dedicated to advancing the maturity and effectiveness of resilience initiatives, ensuring organisations are well prepared to navigate and thrive amid crises.
Abrielle Grasty is a leading expert in business resilience, known for her exceptional ability to design and implement continuity programmes that support organisations nationwide. With experience spanning retail, non-profits, life sciences, healthcare, utilities and more, Abrielle has consistently delivered tailored, sustainable solutions that enhance operational readiness and stability. Her dedication to the field is driven by a passion for helping businesses survive and thrive in the face of uncertainty, ensuring they are equipped to handle whatever challenges come their way. Through her work, Abrielle remains committed to building a culture of resilience that empowers organisations to sustain their missions and serve their communities, no matter the circumstances.
Citation
Weber, Jaeson A. and Grasty, Abrielle (2025, March 1). Unscripted resilience: Improv as a training tool for business continuity and emergency management leaders. In the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, Volume 18, Issue 3. https://doi.org/10.69554/SHGH3314.
© Henry Stewart
Publications LLP
Publications LLP