Coaching as Improvisation: An IPA Study of Improv Exercises in Coach Development

Coaching can be viewed as inherently improvisational, yet has rarely been researched as such. This paper explores how coaches experience improvised theatre and the insights they gain for their coaching practice. Eleven executive coaches participated in a qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings highlight the power of improvisational theatre exercises as experiential learning for coaches, including in self-awareness and presence, empathy and rapport-building, and comfort with co-creation and the unknown. Application of improvisational principles and exercises within coaching practice as part of a more playful, experimental and creative approach is also explored, to support client growth.