We were so fortunate to attend the premier gathering for pioneers of innovation and creative thought: CREA 2024!
It was a vibrant celebration of creativity and the perfect opportunity to introduce the experienced facilitators and organizational development leaders there to what is possible with LEGO® Serious Play®!
Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional thinking, CREA provided the perfect backdrop for our workshop titled “A Crash Course in LEGO® Serious Play®.” It was the perfect way for us to showcase the practical skills and the basic knowledge needed to facilitate sessions that hep with team building, developing strong team dynamics and real-time strategy.
How did the session showcase the methodology in action?
During our workshop, participants had the chance to experience the power of LEGO® Serious Play® method firsthand.
We started by introducing the concept and principles behind the LEGO® Serious Play® process and how it can be applied to various business challenges: creative coaching, learning & development sessions and other impactful workshops linked to values and team goals.
The participants were then given a task to build a model that represent what their key learnings from CREA were. They were encouraged to use LEGO® bricks to express their thoughts and ideas.
As the participants engaged in construction and storytelling, they were able to tap into their creativity and think deeply about their insights and AHA moments.
We guided the participants through a series of questions and discussions, allowing them to explain the meaning behind their models.
This process enabled open and honest communication, as the participants felt more comfortable expressing their thoughts through the LEGO® models rather than traditional verbal communication.
How did the methodology demonstrate complete workshop applications?
The LEGO® models served as a visual and tactile representation of their ideas, creating a shared language among the participants.
In the short time period allowed, participants not only gained a greater appreciation for LEGO® Serious Play® but also developed tangible skills that they could apply in their own organizations.
What did participants come away with?
For 90 minutes, we led participants on an enlightening journey through the history and development of the LEGO® Serious Play® method.
This approach has demonstrated its immense versatility across various fields, from education to corporate strategy, illustrating that LEGO® bricks are more than child’s play—they’re a sophisticated tool for fostering strategic insights and organizational growth.
How could you use a similar session in your own work?
Our session was far from a typical lecture. Participants were quickly drawn into a hands-on experience, beginning with a seemingly simple exercise: building a LEGO® tower.
This initial task was designed to spark engagement and creativity, allowing every participant to contribute their unique perspective. It also allowed the participants to do something that wasn’t too challenging so that they could enter a state of flow, where they felt psychologically safe.
This type of skills building is a safe way to start the session in an inclusive way.
What happened next?
As each participant shared the story behind their construction, the room buzzed with energy. These individual narratives were not just personal tales but reflections of deeper insights and commitments, inspired by the rich discussions and learnings from the conference.
The session’s climax was a collaborative effort, where all the individual models were integrated into a single expansive landscape. This collective model not only symbolized our shared vision but also enhanced the connectivity of the experience, demonstrating the power of collective creativity in visual form.
What was the feedback?
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Participants left the session not only with a deeper understanding of the LEGO® Serious Play® method but also with ignited imaginations about how to apply these playful yet profound strategies within their own organizations.
The discussions that followed were filled with enthusiasm and foresight, with many expressing eagerness to incorporate these techniques into their professional lives.
Many were keen to undertake the foundation training as part of their training journey towards gaining complete certification.
What’s next?
As we look ahead to CREA 2025, we are excited by the endless possibilities that await. The stories we will build and the solutions we will craft together promise to redefine what it means to play seriously.
We invite you to join us on this continuing journey, where play and professionalism converge to unlock new realms of creativity.
Let’s build the future together with LEGO® bricks at CREA 2025. Are you ready to construct your next big idea? We’ll see you there!
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