Creativity and Compliance – Compliance 6-Pack: Part 4- Using “Yes, And”

May 15, 2026

Tom and Ronnie continue their six part series highlighting the role of improv in compliance. This series links improv lessons to corporate compliance, and some of the key tools and strategies Ronnie has brought from his former world of improv to the corporate compliance communications realm. In today’s Improv & Compliance Lesson 3, they focus Using “Yes, And” to Shift Compliance from the Office of No to a Collaborative Advisor.

Tom and Ronnie discuss the improv principle “Yes, and,” described as agreeing to the reality presented, dropping one’s agenda, and adding a new piece of information to build collaboratively. They explain how this mindset helps compliance move beyond the “office of no” by affirming and acknowledging business requests, then bridging to relevant risks, laws, and policies (e.g., gifts and entertainment, conflicts of interest) to problem-solve together without immediately shutting ideas down. Ronnie emphasizes “Yes, and” as both a personal communication technique and an organizational philosophy: learn the business, speak its language, and design simple, action-oriented, accessible policies and training that provide timely, embedded guidance. The episode ends with a preview of the next lesson on truth in comedy.

Resources:

Ronnie

Learnings & Entertainments (Website)
Compliance Confessions – inspired by “Mean Tweets” these 90-second commercials address misconceptions and excuses to promote speak up culture and the E&C team as positive and helpful.
E&C Training Jams – a soulful singer banters with ethics & compliance explaining policies, sharing examples and debunking excuses.
Tales from the Hotline – Real speak up-themed stories about workplace behavior gone wrong.
Workplace Tonight Show! – E&C meets SNL Weekend Update explaining corporate risk topics and why employees should care.
60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, music and multimedia, quick-hitter “commercials” promoting integrity, compliance, speaking up and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches.
Custom Live & Digital Programing – Custom creative programming that balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery. After all, you can’t bore people into learning.