When most people think of LEGO, they picture elaborate castles, bustling cityscapes, or imaginative spaceships. But what if I told you that these colourful bricks could also help unlock creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster team building in the workplace? Enter LEGO Serious Play, the business world’s most playful secret weapon.
What is LEGO Serious Play?
LEGO Serious Play (LSP) is a facilitated meeting, communication, and problem-solving method in which participants use LEGO bricks to build models representing their ideas, thoughts, and concepts. Developed by the LEGO Group in collaboration with leading researchers, this method harnesses the power of hands-on, minds-on learning.
In an LSP session, participants are given a challenge or question. They then construct LEGO models to express their thoughts and insights. The process encourages metaphorical thinking, allowing abstract ideas to be communicated visually. Whether it’s developing a new business strategy or enhancing team cohesion, LSP turns serious work into seriously fun play.
Why Use LEGO Serious Play?
- Unlocks Creativity: Traditional meetings can often stifle creativity, with participants feeling pressured to conform to conventional thinking. LSP, on the other hand, engages participants in a hands-on activity that stimulates creativity and encourages out-of-the-box solutions.
- Enhances Communication: Not everyone is a verbal communicator. LSP allows individuals to express their ideas through physical models, bridging communication gaps and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.
- Fosters Collaboration: Building with LEGO is an inherently collaborative activity. LSP sessions create a safe and inclusive environment where team members can share their ideas and build on each other’s concepts.
- Promotes Problem-Solving: The tactile nature of LEGO bricks helps participants visualise problems and solutions, making it easier to identify connections and potential strategies.
How Does a LEGO Serious Play Session Work?
A typical LSP session follows a structured process:
- Posing the Question: The facilitator presents a challenge or question related to the business or team objective.
- Building the Models: Participants build individual LEGO models to represent their thoughts and ideas.
- Sharing Stories: Each participant shares the story behind their model, explaining their perspective and insights.
- Reflecting and Refining: The group reflects on the models and discussions, refining their ideas and strategies.
Real-World Applications of LEGO Serious Play
Companies worldwide have embraced LSP for various purposes:
- Strategy Development: Organisations use LSP to visualise and plan their strategic initiatives, ensuring all team members are aligned and engaged.
- Team Building: LSP sessions break down barriers and build stronger team connections through shared creativity and problem-solving.
- Innovation: By fostering a creative environment, LSP helps teams generate innovative ideas and solutions to complex challenges.
Conclusion
LEGO Serious Play proves that play is not just for children. In fact, it can be a powerful tool for adults to unlock their creativity, enhance communication, and tackle problems in a fun and engaging way. So next time you’re looking for a fresh approach to business strategy or team building, why not give LEGO Serious Play a try? You might just build something amazing.
Download the LEGO Serious Play Open Source Document below
Please note that it is a large file (PDF, 37MB), so the download might take some time depending on your internet speed: Access the LEGO Serious Play Open Source Brochure here.
