Group decision-making is fundamental for resolving business challenges effectively, but traditional methods often fall short. Enter LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP), a powerful tool for communication, strategic planning, and decision-making, which has revolutionised how organisations navigate their decision-making processes.
This experiential process is not just about using colorful bricks; it is an innovative approach to uncover deeper understanding, active participation, and robust solutions.
Foundations of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method: The Theoretical Backdrop
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® was created in the late 1990s by Johan Roos and Kjeld Kirk
Kristiansen, with Seymour Papert’s theories of constructionism as a guiding principle. It combines hands-on knowledge with the cognitive approach of building 3D models, transforming abstract ideas into tangible solutions.
These physical bricks allow participants to externalize their thoughts, which leads to active participation and deeper learning. This hands-on experience promotes a better understanding of complex concepts and the dynamic core process of the methodology.
Constructivism and Constructionism
The theoretical roots of LSP lie in constructivism, proposed by Jean Piaget, and expanded into constructionism by Seymour Papert. Constructivism suggests that people construct knowledge through interaction with their environment, while constructionism emphasises learning through creating physical artefacts.
By engaging in the construction of metaphorical models, participants in LSP experience a transformative learning process that fosters critical thinking skills and collective intelligence. This foundation makes LSP a valuable tool for leadership development, adult learning, and complex issue resolution.
Why Use LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® for Decision-Making?
Group decision-making can be a complex process, especially when dealing with diverse viewpoints and strategic business goals. LSP facilitates all-around participation, creating an environment where every active participant is engaged.
Unlike conventional training programs or traditional meetings, this approach to interaction ensures equal contribution, fostering a stronger sense of team culture and organisational identity.
By using 3-dimensional LEGO® models to visualize abstract concepts, LSP transforms complex ideas into actionable strategies.
1. Active and Equal Participation
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® ensures 100% participation, breaking the hierarchical barriers that often stifle communication in business meetings.
It provides a platform for each team member to express their insights using physical bricks, promoting collective knowledge sharing and a complete understanding of the issue at hand.
This leads to more cohesive team dynamics, as every participant feels heard and valued, strengthening the team’s ability to tackle organizational challenges.
2. Visualisation of Complex Concepts
Building models with LEGO® bricks helps transform abstract concepts into concrete representations. This central process allows for better comprehension and discussion of complex topics, making it easier to find the correct solution.
By visualising business scenarios and constructing models in response to strategic challenges, teams can co-create advanced techniques for decision-making with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. The variety of topics that can be explored using LSP includes agile transformation strategies, communication strategies, and even Customer Experience design.
A Methodology in Action: How LSP Enhances Team Development
The LSP methodology is a workshop methodology grounded in the concept of building knowledge through physical engagement. It uses bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, which involves using the body to express and understand complex ideas.
This approach fosters creativity & imagination, leading to innovative solutions and business performance improvements.
During a 1–4-hour session, participants are guided by experienced facilitators trained in LSP, ensuring that the methodology is used effectively to develop practical skills and resolve core issues.
3. Fostering Team Building and Collaboration
One of the standout features of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is its ability to build a cohesive team through collaboration among participants. It creates a collaborative environment where shared goals and mutual understanding are prioritised.
The complicity between participants, facilitated by the playful and creative nature of the process, enhances team development and builds a common team language. This leads to better communication skills and stronger team culture, essential for achieving long-term business goals.
4. Addressing Organisational and Business Challenges
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is particularly effective for strategic planning and resolving complex business challenges. Whether it’s crafting a corporate strategy or finding robust solutions for organisational development, this methodology empowers teams to explore a wide range of scenarios.
By applying the cyclical process of building, sharing, and reflecting, teams can develop actionable strategies to address challenging issues. This strategic method enables companies to remain agile and adaptable in the face of fierce conversations and conflict resolution.
The Structured Process: How LSP Works
To apply LSP effectively in an organisational decision-making process, a structured and cyclical process is essential. This methodology uses the 4Cs model: Connect, Construct, Contemplate, and Continue, to guide participants through the experience. Here’s a breakdown:
- Connect: The facilitator introduces the challenge elements, setting the stage for the session.
- Construct: Participants use LEGO® bricks to build 3-dimensional models, transforming abstract ideas into tangible representations.
- Contemplate: Everyone shares the story behind their model, engaging in meaningful conversations that promote understanding.
- Continue: The insights gained are integrated into actionable strategies, which can be applied to a variety of business scenarios.
5. The Role of Experienced Facilitators
Facilitator training is crucial for maximising the effectiveness of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. Certified facilitators guide the workshop methodology, ensuring that each step is tailored to the specific needs of the group.
They use advanced training techniques to foster creative thinking and guide teams in applying LSP to resolve complex issues. A well-facilitated session can transform organizational decision-making processes and lead to innovative approaches for achieving business goals.
Applications Across a Broad Range of Industries
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® has proven to be an asset in business environments, from Business Start-ups to large corporations. It has been used to improve Customer Experience design, develop leadership skills, and foster collaboration in corporate training programs.
The Imagination Lab at LEGO® has even shown how LSP can be integrated into strategic planning and business model innovation. The methodology’s flexibility allows it to address a wide range of organisational challenges and provide blueprints for facilitation sessions tailored to specific needs.
6. Building a Future-Ready Organisation
By incorporating LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® into your organisational development strategy, you equip your team with the creative thinking tools needed to navigate an ever- evolving business landscape.
Whether you are focusing on business performance, organisational identity, or leadership development, this amazing methodology offers a comprehensive approach to learning and innovation. With LSP, you can transform your organisation into a hub of collective intelligence, creative solutions, and continuous improvement.
Ready to experience the power of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®? Discover how this approach to learning can revolutionize your decision-making and business strategy at Serious Play Business.
