The Power of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® in Business Model Exploration
In the evolving landscape of business, innovation and adaptability are essential for sustained success. LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) has emerged as a powerful methodology to foster creative thinking, enhance communication in meetings, and address complex challenges. It offers an effective approach for strategic planning, business model development, and organisational growth. Rooted in theories of experiential learning, this facilitation methodology brings abstract ideas to life through three-dimensional models, enabling a deeper understanding of intricate concepts.
The Theoretical Backbone of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® draws from constructivism and constructionism, asserting that knowledge is most effectively constructed when individuals engage hands-on with ideas. As a facilitation methodology, it transforms abstract ideas into metaphorical models, providing participants with a clearer understanding of complex issues. Robert Rasmussen, a co-developer of the method, and scholars like Bart Victor have highlighted its application in systemic thinking and strategy development. This methodology empowers teams to explore business scenarios, align business goals, and foster collaboration among participants.
Hands-On Tools for Strategic Thinking and Business Development
LSP encourages active participation, enabling teams to build individual models that represent their thoughts, ideas, and insights. These models serve as a basis for collective understanding and strategy development. The process involves a series of questions designed to explore concepts and foster creative solutions. The tactile engagement with colourful bricks stimulates creative imagination, resulting in actionable solutions that address organisational development and business transformation.
Bridging Communication Gaps in Teams
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful teams. LSP’s hands-on approach ensures alignment among team members, promoting collaboration among participants. By constructing three-dimensional models, participants engage in candid conversations, breaking down communication gaps and fostering an inclusive environment. The alignment of understanding achieved through this process strengthens bonds among team members, driving team growth and enhancing team dynamics.
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® as a Valuable Tool for Leadership Development
Leadership skills are critical in navigating business challenges and fostering a culture of innovation. LSP workshops enable leaders to explore business strategies and scenarios in a risk-free environment. The metaphorical models created during these sessions provide insights into business contexts and leadership principles, equipping leaders with practical skills for effective decision-making. The process also supports systemic thinking, empowering leaders to address complicated business concepts and align team principles.
Application in Business Schools and Professional Training
Business schools and organisations worldwide have embraced LSP as a training program that combines experiential learning with practical application. Institutions like GBSB Global Business School integrate the method into their curriculum to enhance critical thinking, systemic thinking, and design thinking processes. Certification training programs offer advanced knowledge, making LSP an asset in business growth and planning. The affordable learning program accommodates diverse business needs, from business start-ups to established enterprises.
A Workshop Methodology for Innovation and Collaboration
LSP workshops typically last 1-4 hours and involve 4-8 participants, ensuring active participation and collaboration. The methodology’s unique approach to business meetings transforms traditional meetings into dynamic brainstorming sessions. Participants build metaphorical models, which become blueprints for facilitation sessions. These workshops foster faster innovation processes, enabling teams to generate comprehensive strategies and effective solutions to business challenges.
Real-World Impact of LSP on Business Performance
The application of LSP in organisational contexts has demonstrated measurable impacts on business performance. By leveraging the birth of metaphors and collaborative learning, teams achieve alignment on understanding and develop complementary insights. For example, a technology firm used LSP to explore its business model canvas, resulting in a business transformation that improved its market positioning. The process facilitated deeper exploration of concepts, enabling the team to align on business strategies and identify innovation potential.
Conclusion: A Powerful Methodology for Business Growth
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is not just a workshop methodology; it is a powerful tool for addressing complex challenges and fostering creative solutions. Its emphasis on hands-on experience, collaborative environments, and exploration of concepts makes it an effective approach for business planning, strategic thinking, and team development. Whether used in business schools, leadership development programs, or strategic planning sessions, LSP offers a pathway to clearer understanding, innovative solutions, and sustainable business success.
