Trust me, stand-up comedy and career transition go much better when you are prepared and have a plan. I recently got out of my comfort zone when I signed on for a stand-up comedy course that stretched over eight weeks and culminated with a live show at Absolute Comedy in midtown Toronto.
The high-touch course was led by two professional comedians who encouraged, challenged and provided criticism. We met for hours and we developed and tested ideas whilst learning the fundamentals. We received feedback and advice. We began to understand who we wanted to be on stage, and which material made people laugh, or didn’t! We gained confidence as we found our voices.
It was analogous to career transition in so many respects. Many executives are outside their comfort zones. They have track records of success, but may not be feeling confident. They have often been the person providing assistance as opposed to receiving it. It can be easier to offer help than to ask for help.
Our clients often need to find their voices, regain their confidence and develop clarity regarding what they are seeking. Ninety-four percent of our clients agreed that “My career transition experience led to personal growth.” Why does this matter?
Executives in transition face themselves, their families, their fears, their dreams and their peers. They need to show resilience and self-belief. They want to be prepared and poised.
People need to be able to articulate their competencies, position themselves, and define their offering. We help our clients get ready to face an audience. It is better to hear “That isn’t funny” from the comic than to face silence on stage!
And standing on stage in front of 125 people who are hoping you can make them laugh is a moment I will not forget. Nor is interviewing for a desirable role or meeting someone new when you are networking and hoping for some support or helpful introductions.
Putting yourself out there is not everyone’s cup of tea but Clements United’s research shows that people make meaningful new acquaintances and are pleasantly surprised by the help they receive.
Preparation and effort pays off when a person lands a great role, but there is more. Like my clients, I met great people, I learned about myself and I was tested. Oh, and my mother thought I was very funny!