In the modern business landscape, the importance of creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving cannot be overstated. Top consultants, HR managers, and academics are constantly seeking methods to enhance team performance, foster collaboration, and drive organizational success.
One such method that has garnered significant attention is the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) methodology.
This innovative approach leverages the power of play to unlock new perspectives, stimulate creative thinking, and build stronger teams.
In this article, we will delve into the value of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method and explore why play is crucial for companies and teams.
Understanding LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is a facilitated meeting, communication, and problem-solving method in which participants use LEGO® bricks to build models that represent their ideas, thoughts, and reflections.
The core premise of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is that everyone can contribute to the discussion, regardless of their position within the company or team. This democratization of ideas leads to richer, more inclusive conversations and solutions.
The method is based on the concept of “hand knowledge,” which suggests that the hands are connected to 70-80% of our brain cells.
By engaging the hands in the creative process, participants tap into their subconscious and unlock deeper insights and understanding.
This process is particularly effective in addressing complex issues, as it allows for multiple viewpoints to be considered and integrated into a cohesive strategy.
The Value of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® for Companies
- Enhanced Creativity and Innovation:
Creativity and innovation are the lifeblood of any successful organization.
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method encourages participants to think outside the box and explore unconventional solutions. By building physical models, individuals can visualize abstract concepts and identify connections that may not be immediately apparent through traditional discussion methods.
This hands-on approach fosters a culture of experimentation and innovation, essential for staying competitive in today’s rapidly changing market.
- Improved Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration are critical for team success. The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® process provides a shared language and platform for team members to express their ideas and perspectives.
The physical models act as visual aids that facilitate clearer communication and help bridge any gaps in understanding. As a result, teams can collaborate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and make better-informed decisions.
- Deeper Engagement and Participation
One of the key benefits of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® process is its ability to engage participants on a deeper level. The hands-on nature of the method keeps individuals focused and invested in the process.
Everyone has the opportunity to contribute, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
This inclusivity leads to higher levels of engagement and commitment, as team members feel more connected to the outcomes and solutions developed during the sessions.
- Strategic Alignment and Clarity
Aligning teams around a shared vision and strategy is crucial for organizational success. LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® helps companies and teams articulate and visualize their goals, values, and strategies.
By building models that represent their aspirations and challenges, participants gain a clearer understanding of the path forward.
This clarity fosters alignment and ensures that everyone is working towards the same objectives, reducing the risk of miscommunication and misalignment.
Why LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is Important for Companies and Teams
- Stimulates Creativity and Innovation
Play is a powerful catalyst for creativity and innovation. It provides a safe space for individuals to experiment, take risks, and explore new ideas without fear of failure.
By incorporating play into the workplace, organizations can unlock the creative potential of their employees and drive continuous improvement and innovation.
- Reduces Stress and Enhances Well-being
The pressures of the modern workplace can lead to high levels of stress and burnout. Play offers a much-needed respite from the daily grind and helps reduce stress.
Engaging in playful activities can improve mood, increase energy levels, and enhance overall well-being.
A healthier, happier workforce is more productive and better equipped to tackle challenges.
- Builds Stronger Relationships and Teams
Play fosters social connections and strengthens relationships among team members.
Through playful interactions, individuals develop trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
These qualities are essential for building cohesive, high-performing teams that can collaborate effectively and achieve common goals.
- Enhances Problem-Solving Skills
Play encourages individuals to approach problems from different angles and think critically.
It promotes cognitive flexibility and adaptability, enabling teams to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
By integrating play into problem-solving processes, companies and teams can enhance their ability to navigate uncertainty and drive successful outcomes.
Final thoughts
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method is a powerful tool for companies and teams seeking to enhance creativity, improve communication, and foster collaboration.
By leveraging the power of play, organizations can unlock new insights, build stronger teams, and drive innovation.
As top consultants, HR managers, and academics continue to explore ways to optimize team performance, the value of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and the importance of play in the workplace cannot be overlooked.
Embracing this innovative approach can lead to a more engaged, creative, and successful organization.
Why select Serious Play Business for your Facilitator Training Program?
Boosting your facilitation skills through Serious Play Business offers a multitude of benefits that are crucial for both individual and organizational growth.
- Our ONLINE training programs are led by experienced facilitators with over 35 combined years of using this amazing methodology.
- Your training journey allows you to select between the Foundation Training or the advanced course. You can always start at the Foundation Training level and upgrade when you want to.
- The advanced course includes live. 2 x 2-hour online meetings with one of our incredible facilitators to give you more hands-on experience with group work and more skills building with deeper explanations.
- Our well structured course materials are designed to give you the basic elements and the fundamental principles of the process.
- You have a 12-month access period to set you on the road to success. This helps you to apply the key principles and truly meet standards of excellence.
- We show you how to adapt our road maps / downloadable session plans to suit your particular context. These become your blueprints for facilitation sessions.
- This also means that you can apply the methodology in so many different ways including to build engaged teams, to improve Learning & Development sessions to create a dynamic learning environment and for organizational development purposes.
- Whether you are a consultant or an HR Manager or an Academic our methods not only improve skills but also significantly strengthen team dynamics, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- We offer many bonus modules and additional training to help you boost your skills. For example there is a module on how to do business development and marketing.
- There are also BONUS videos which show you how to use this awesome tool in action. We also show you how to apply the method as a strategic planning tool.
- We have an amazing community of users around the world. Besides the comprehensive knowledge you gain on the course, you also see the power of these 3D models in so many different contexts and how they are used in a variety of sessions. The amazing people in our community come from various sectors and they use the core elements of the process in exciting ways.
- Every year we hold community events such as our online conference and our facilitator community shares different and complete workshop applications so that you in turn create impactful workshops in your own environment.
- Our certification training is also like no other training providers – in order to receive your certification you need to implement and demonstrate in real time how you would prepare for and facilitate a session using your complete skills. We want to see you design sessions – in fact, successful sessions – so that you use the process for Team Building or for training events and brainstorming sessions.
Let’s get started!
We would be so excited to have you join us as part of this incredible interactive learning experience. We would love you to experience the power of these three-dimensional models in actual workshops. Wow, what can happen with a basic brick!!
Start your training journey with us. Simply have your credit card ready or choose other payment options. We have payment in instalments available too: