LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) is a revolutionary method designed to improve engagement, communication, and problem-solving within organizations.
This technique harnesses the power of physical and visual representation through LEGO® bricks to facilitate deeper understanding and decision-making among teams and individuals.
The approach is rooted in substantial research from business, psychology, organizational development, and learning theories, emphasizing the unique concept of “hand knowledge.”
The process is best used for in-person experiences but it can also be applied in Zoom or Teams sessions as well if the resources are mailed to those participating.
Core Principles of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
The effectiveness of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® as business solutions stems from several key principles:
Inclusive Leadership
Leadership in the context of LSP is fundamentally democratic. It acknowledges that leaders do not have all the answers and that the success of an organization heavily relies on the active participation of every member.
By engaging all voices in the room, LSP fosters a more inclusive environment that encourages shared responsibility and collaborative problem-solving.
Active Participation
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® transforms traditional passive meetings into dynamic sessions where every participant is engaged.
This “lean forward” approach ensures that meetings are not only more participatory but also significantly more productive. Participants are empowered to contribute their unique perspectives, thereby enhancing the collective intelligence of the group.
This type of hands-on experience is truly memorable – and whether the session is focused on strategy development or leadership enhancement, the take-aways are embedded.
Harnessing Collective Wisdom
Organizations often suffer from untapped potential within their teams. LSP addresses this issue by allowing each participant to express their thoughts and ideas openly.
This leads to a richer pool of knowledge and insights, driving more informed decision-making and innovative solutions.
As this is a true hands-on approach, from the moment individual skills building gets underway, genuine smiles appear and people are more open to sharing ideas and perspectives in an authentic way.
Adapting to Complexity
In today’s complex and adaptive business world, the ability to respond flexibly to challenges is crucial. LSP facilitates this by enabling teams to prototype solutions quickly and iteratively, which is essential for navigating the complexities of modern business environments.
Once people see the methodology in action, they are hooked on its potential to get to the crux of their challenges in an inclusive way.
The Role of a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator
The facilitator’s role involves:
- Preparing and designing the session: A facilitator is responsible for carefully planning and designing the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® session based on the specific needs and goals of the organization.
They determine the appropriate exercises and techniques to use during the session.
- Creating a safe and inclusive environment: Facilitators ensure that the session is a safe space where participants feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas openly.
They establish ground rules that encourage respectful and constructive communication. They want to ensure that everyone realizes their creative potential.
- Providing guidance and instruction: Facilitators guide participants through the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® process, explaining the purpose and objectives of each activity.
They provide clear instructions on how to use the LEGO® bricks as a tool for communication and problem-solving.
- Facilitating group discussions: Facilitators encourage active participation and facilitate group discussions to ensure that everyone’s perspectives are heard.
They ask thought-provoking questions to stimulate meaningful conversations and guide participants towards finding innovative solutions.
- Managing time and flow:
The facilitator plays a crucial role in guiding participants through the process. They are trained professionals who have a deep understanding of the methodology and its application within various organizational contexts.
Implementing LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® in Your Organization
Getting Started with LSP
To effectively implement the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method for business solutions, organizations should consider the following steps:
- Facilitator Training: Engage with certified LSP trainers who have undertaken their own training journey through a top and experienced training provider.
They will then have the skills required to facilitate sessions effectively. These trainers are equipped with the insights and techniques required to guide participants through the LSP process.
- Customized Sessions: Design LSP sessions that are tailored to the specific needs of your organization.
Whether the goal is to enhance business strategy development sessions, team building, learning & development or problem-solving, the sessions can be customized to address these objectives.
- Ongoing Engagement: Incorporate LSP as a regular practice within your organization to continuously cultivate an environment of creativity and innovation.
Regular sessions help maintain high levels of engagement and communication among team members.
Benefits of applying the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® process
Organizations that adopt LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® for business solutions can expect a multitude of benefits:
- Enhanced Problem-Solving: By visualizing problems and testing solutions through models, teams can discover unconventional solutions that might not emerge through traditional discussions.
- Improved Decision-Making: The tactile nature of LEGO® bricks helps in synthesizing complex information, making decision processes faster and more effective.
- Increased Engagement: The interactive format of LSP keeps participants actively involved, fostering a deeper connection to the project and each other.
- Greater Insight Extraction: As more ideas are physically represented, hidden insights and overlooked details are brought to light, enriching the decision-making process.
So – what are you waiting for!
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is more than just a meeting facilitation technique; it is a strategic tool that can transform the way organizations think, communicate, and solve problems.
By adopting this innovative method, businesses can leverage the collective wisdom of their teams, leading to more effective meetings, better decisions, and ultimately, a more robust organizational performance.
Why be trained by Serious Play Business:
- 12 months access to online courses and videos
- Live classes via webinar
- Training led by experienced facilitators
- Options of foundational or advanced training
- In-house training options available
- Certificates issued based on the application of skills.
Contact Us
For further information on how to integrate LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® into your organizational practices, contact us to learn more about the transformative potential of LSP.
If there’s anything you would like to know, please contact us at contact@seriousplaybusiness.com
