Remote work has become an integral part of the modern business landscape. Teams are often spread across cities, countries, or even continents. While this setup offers flexibility, it can also present a set of unique challenges when it comes to communication, team development and problem-solving.
Enter the LEGO® Serious Play® method (LSP) — a facilitation method designed to foster creativity and discussion to help overcome business challenges — adapted for the virtual world.
Let’s explore how LSP can be a game-changer in remote settings.
Why LEGO® Serious Play® for Remote Work?
Traditionally, the LSP method is a hands-on, in-person activity with a group of participants in a physical room. However, its principles are so universal that they can be adapted for virtual collaboration with a bit of ingenuity.
Breaking Virtual Barriers
Remote work often leads to ‘virtual silos,’ where team members work in isolation. The LEGO® Serious Play® process, even when done remotely, can help break down these barriers by fostering collaborative problem-solving.
It can even be used for coaching which happens via Zoom or teams.
Promoting Equality
In virtual meetings, it’s easy for some voices to dominate while others fade into the background. LEGO® Serious Play® ensures that every voice is heard, creating an inclusive environment that values every contribution.
This leads in turn to improved knowledge sharing and better ideation.
Enhancing Engagement
Remote work can sometimes lead to disengagement. The unique, interactive nature of the LSP method can reignite enthusiasm and focus, even through a computer screen.
It’s a way of setting up ongoing learning which is often one of the best ways to engage a team.
How to Implement LEGO® Serious Play® Remotely
LEGO® Kits
- Send LEGO® kits to each team member in advance.
- Make sure everyone has the same type of set if possible and to keep the focus on the storytelling aspect.
Video Conferencing
- Use a robust video conferencing tool that allows screen sharing. This enables participants to showcase their models effectively.
- Have a great camera focused on the facilitator and also good lighting.
Guided Facilitation
- Just like in-person sessions, have a trained facilitator to guide the team through the process.
- They can adapt activities to suit the virtual environment, ensuring everyone stays engaged.
Case Study: A Remote Team’s Success Story
Let’s consider a hypothetical tech company, “Cybernaut,” where the team is spread across multiple countries. They were struggling with project delays and poor communication.
After implementing LEGO® Serious Play® sessions remotely, team members built models representing their view of the project’s challenges and discussed them openly.
The result? Greater clarity on individual roles, identification of bottlenecks, and a renewed sense of team cohesion.
The project was back on track within weeks.
Tips for Effective Remote LEGO® Serious Play®
- Preparation: Ensure everyone has their LEGO® kits and understands the basic premise before the meeting.
- Time Management: Remote sessions can be draining. Keep the activities concise, and schedule regular breaks.
- Facilitator’s Role: Given that cues may be harder to read in a virtual setting, a skilled facilitator must guide the process closely, ensuring everyone has a chance to speak and share.
- Follow-Up: Record the session, or take screenshots of key LEGO models, so that team members can revisit the discussions and models later for deeper reflection.
The Importance of Training in LEGO® Serious Play® Methodology
While the principles of LEGO® Serious Play® might appear simple at first glance, effectively facilitating a session—especially in a virtual environment—requires a nuanced understanding of its intricacies.
Unlike casual brainstorming or traditional team-building activities, the LEGO® Serious Play® method is rooted in a deep psychological and business-oriented framework. It calls for a carefully calibrated approach to questioning, listening, and interpreting.
Trained facilitators who have attended a strong facilitator training program understand how to sequence questions and challenges to unlock the maximum creative potential of each participant.
They know how to create a psychologically safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. This is especially crucial in remote settings, where missing out on non-verbal cues can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Training in applying the LEGO® Serious Play® method is not merely a certificate; it’s a skill set that allows you to harness the full power of this groundbreaking methodology. You learn to read between the bricks, so to speak, interpreting models in a way that offers deep, actionable insights.
This expertise ensures that the investment of time and resources into LEGO® Serious Play® yields the most impactful, sustainable results for your remote team.
The Future of Remote LEGO® Serious Play®
With technological advancements such as augmented reality and 3D modeling, the scope for virtual LEGO® Serious Play® sessions is bound to expand. Facilitators trained in the method will be at the forefront of integrating these new technologies, making it yet another reason to invest in professional training.
Final thoughts
LEGO® Serious Play® is a transformative method that is adaptable to the virtual world we increasingly find ourselves in. It presents an array of advantages for remote teams, from breaking down communication barriers to reviving team engagement and problem-solving capabilities.
As the world leans more towards remote work, the value of a trained facilitator who has undergone advanced training and who can adapt LEGO® Serious Play® for virtual teams becomes even more vital.
In a digital age, it’s the human skills of facilitation and understanding that will make the biggest impact, and LEGO® Serious Play® could be your secret weapon in making that happen.
The LEGO® Serious Play® process is a powerful tool for enhancing collaboration, creativity, and communication for improved business performance.
While it was initially designed for in-person sessions, the principles can be effectively adapted for remote work environments. With meticulous planning and execution, remote teams can reap all the benefits of this innovative methodology, from improved communication to better problem-solving and stronger team bonds.
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