LEGO Serious Play

LEGO SERIOUS PLAY is a unique and innovative methodology that encourages creative thinking, communication, and problem-solving. It’s a hands-on, minds-on learning process that produces a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the world and its possibilities. In a LEGO SERIOUS PLAY workshop, we use LEGO bricks to build three-dimensional models of our ideas and tell stories about them. This process fosters creativity, teamwork, and innovative thinking.

The workshop is highly flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. The duration can range from a short, intense session of 2 hours to a comprehensive, in-depth exploration spanning up to 4 days. Moreover, the workshop is designed to be highly interactive and participatory, and it works best with a group size of 6 to 12 people. This size ensures that everyone has a chance to contribute their ideas and perspectives, fostering a rich, collaborative environment.

One of the great advantages of the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY methodology is its wide applicability. It can be used in a variety of contexts and for a multitude of purposes, such as company’s strategy, human resources, team building, and organizational culture. By allowing participants to express their thoughts and feelings through their LEGO models, the methodology can help uncover insights about the organization’s culture and values.

So, by having a LEGO SERIOUS PLAY workshop, you’ll not only have an engaging and fun experience, but also gain valuable insights and solutions for your business challenges. It’s a unique opportunity to think, create, and communicate in a whole new way.

What is LEGO® Serious Play®?

LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) is an innovative facilitation methodology used by many of the world’s leading organizations since the mid-90s. It’s a strategic tool that utilizes LEGO® bricks to help participants articulate their thoughts, share ideas, and solve complex problems through creative and constructive means.

Why Does LEGO® Serious Play® Work?

LEGO® Serious Play® is effective because it transforms abstract concepts into tangible models, enabling deeper engagement and understanding. The method is built on several core principles:

  • Hand and Mind Connection: Engaging in physical building activities stimulates cognitive processes.
  • Identity and Play: Playful creation help individuals delve into their beliefs, knowledge, and aspirations.
  • Imagination and Inclusivity: It fosters an environment where both introverts and extroverts can express themselves equally.
  • Storytelling and Meaning: The stories built around the models are crucial, offering a medium for sharing personal experiences, ideas, and emotions.

Applications of LEGO® Serious Play®
LSP in Coaching

LSP is particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals and those with mental health challenges. It enhances communication, fosters creativity, and aids in visualizing goals and overcoming obstacles.

 

LSP in Facilitation

LSP addresses organizational needs, aiding in cultural transformation, change management, and improving communication. It turns abstract concepts into tangible models, ensuring every voice is heard and promoting team collaboration.

 

Benefits of LEGO® Serious Play®

  • Problem-Solving: Helps participants view problems from various perspectives to develop creative solutions.
  • Team Building: Encourages empathy, understanding, and connectedness within teams.
  • Innovation: Facilitates free-flowing ideas and rapid prototyping during brainstorming sessions.
  • Strategy Development: Assists in exploring scenarios and potential outcomes for cohesive strategy formulation.
  • Cultural Transformation: Enables discussions around organizational norms, challenges, and vision alignment.
  • Change Management: Helps navigate change by visualizing current and future states and identifying actionable steps.
  • Communication and Conflict Resolution: Improves understanding and finding common ground through model building and storytelling.

 

Why LEGO® Serious Play® Works

 

Dismantling Participation Barriers

LEGO® bricks allow individuals to express ideas without fear of judgment, leading to diverse and innovative solutions.

 

Enhancing Communication and Problem-Solving

The tactile nature of LSP increases engagement and helps communicate complex scenarios effectively.

 

Team Building and Collaboration

LSP fosters inclusivity and encourages diverse input, strengthening team bonds and collaboration.

 

How to Apply LEGO® Serious Play®

Gathering Your Tools

LSP requires LEGO® bricks and a group ready to engage. The focus is on storytelling and metaphors, so the specific bricks used are less important.

 

Pathways to Insight and Integration

LSP is structured around three stages:

  • Individual Models: Participants build models representing personal insights or solutions.
  • Shared Models: Integration of individual models into a collective model, uncovering group synergies.
  • System Models: Development of a complex model embodying the group’s vision, illustrating interactions and dependencies.

 

LSP in Facilitation

LSP addresses organizational needs, aiding in cultural transformation, change management, and improving communication. It turns abstract concepts into tangible models, ensuring every voice is heard and promoting team collaboration.

 

Benefits of LEGO® Serious Play®

  • Problem-Solving: Helps participants view problems from various perspectives to develop creative solutions.
  • Team Building: Encourages empathy, understanding, and connectedness within teams.
  • Innovation: Facilitates free-flowing ideas and rapid prototyping during brainstorming sessions.
  • Strategy Development: Assists in exploring scenarios and potential outcomes for cohesive strategy formulation.
  • Cultural Transformation: Enables discussions around organizational norms, challenges, and vision alignment.
  • Change Management: Helps navigate change by visualizing current and future states and identifying actionable steps.
  • Communication and Conflict Resolution: Improves understanding and finding common ground through model building and storytelling.

Why LEGO® Serious Play® Works

Dismantling Participation Barriers

LEGO® bricks allow individuals to express ideas without fear of judgment, leading to diverse and innovative solutions.

 

Enhancing Communication and Problem-Solving

The tactile nature of LSP increases engagement and helps communicate complex scenarios effectively.

 

Team Building and Collaboration

LSP fosters inclusivity and encourages diverse input, strengthening team bonds and collaboration.

 

How to Apply LEGO® Serious Play®

Gathering Your Tools

LSP requires LEGO® bricks and a group ready to engage. The focus is on storytelling and metaphors, so the specific bricks used are less important.

 

Pathways to Insight and Integration

LSP is structured around three stages:

  • Individual Models: Participants build models representing personal insights or solutions.
  • Shared Models: Integration of individual models into a collective model, uncovering group synergies.
  • System Models: Development of a complex model embodying the group’s vision, illustrating interactions and dependencies.

 

Tips for Effectively Using LEGO® Serious Play®

Preparation is Key

Understand your session goals and have a clear agenda. Organize the space and ensure enough LEGO® bricks for all participants.

 

Create a Safe Space

Foster an inclusive and non-judgmental environment. Allow time for exploring each model and encourage sharing.

 

Embrace Diversity

Encourage participation from diverse backgrounds to enrich discussions and generate a wide range of ideas.

 

Encourage Storytelling

Promote the use of storytelling, metaphors, and symbolism to convey deeper meanings and connections.

 

Set Clear Ground Rules

Establish objectives, time limits, and guidelines for respectful communication and building.

 

Facilitate Active Listening

Encourage active listening and validation of contributions to promote confidence and deeper understanding.

 

Provide Time for Reflection

Balance building, storytelling, and reflection to allow participants to absorb and respond to ideas effectively.