Here, we delve into the theoretical underpinnings, practical applications and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® organizational potential, highlighting the importance of facilitator training, experienced facilitators, and hands-on experience.
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method represents a transformative approach to organizational development, blending creativity and real-time, serious business strategies to address the complexities of today’s corporate environment.
Developed in the 1990s by professors Johan Roos and Bart Victor, this innovative method has proven effective in helping organizations navigate challenges and cultivate new ideas.
Redefining Play in Business
The term “serious play” might seem contradictory, as play is often associated with leisure rather than serious work.
However, extensive research reveals that play offers significant business benefits. By engaging in play, individuals relax their need for control, becoming more open-minded and imaginative.
This openness fosters the ability to envision new solutions and see oneself in different scenarios, thereby enhancing creativity and relationship-building within an organization.
In essence, play serves a purposeful role, aligning with the goals and objectives of the organization.
The methodology in action works work in-person as well as for online meetings.
The Power of LEGO® in Serious Play
In 2004, Johan Roos and his colleagues defined serious play as an activity that integrates cognitive, social, and emotional dimensions to address organizational challenges.
LEGO® materials, with their inherent versatility and creativity, are ideally suited for serious play. The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method utilizes these materials to create an interactive environment where participants can explore ideas and develop innovative solutions.
It’s all about the power of metaphor – the ability to take the basic elements of the bricks and use them as the foundation for deep storytelling!
The Flow State in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
Achieving Peak Performance
One of the key benefits of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® organizational potential is its ability to induce a state of flow.
Flow is a peak performance state where individuals are fully immersed and energized by their activities. In this state, participants experience heightened focus and enjoyment, making the process both effective and efficient.
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method facilitates this flow by engaging participants in hands-on, minds-on activities that are both challenging and enjoyable.
Foundation training and advanced training in the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method ensure that facilitators can guide participants effectively into this flow state. These skilled facilitators are able to help a team look at real issues.
Senior as well as team leaders are able to explore challenges for business purposes such as the development of new strategies or organizational values.
The Role of Imagination in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
Descriptive Imagination
Descriptive imagination allows individuals to simplify and describe complex realities as part of the innovative process. The basic brick sets become a way of fire-starting conversations.
In the business context, this form of imagination is used to create models, diagrams, and matrices that clarify organizational dynamics and market conditions.
By visualizing these elements, participants can better understand the current state of their organization and identify areas for improvement.
Experienced facilitators, trained in the science-based process of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, can help guide these visualizations to ensure clarity and actionable insights.
Creative Imagination
Creative imagination enables individuals to see beyond the current reality and envision new possibilities.
This type of imagination is crucial for innovation, as it encourages thinking outside the box and exploring unconventional solutions. In the amazing method of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, creative imagination is harnessed to generate new ideas and opportunities that can drive organizational growth and transformation.
Facilitator training equips leaders with the application ideas and application techniques to nurture and channel this creativity effectively.
Critical Imagination
Critical imagination, while challenging, plays a vital role in organizational development. It involves questioning assumptions, negating established norms, and proposing alternative perspectives.
Although it can be disruptive, critical imagination is essential for identifying potential pitfalls and ensuring that new ideas are robust and viable.
In LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, critical imagination is managed carefully to balance creativity with practicality. Advanced training for facilitators includes strategies for fostering critical thinking without stifling creativity.
Strategic Imagination
Strategic imagination emerges from the interplay of descriptive, creative, and critical imagination. It involves envisioning the future and developing strategies to achieve organizational goals.
By leveraging all three types of imagination, the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method helps give participants an invaluable experience to create comprehensive and strategic plans that address both current challenges and future opportunities.
Online training modules can enhance the accessibility of strategic imagination training, allowing facilitators worldwide to develop these crucial skills.
It’s real brick magic!
Practical Applications of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
Enhancing Team Collaboration
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® organizational potential is particularly effective in enhancing team collaboration. By providing a structured yet flexible framework, it encourages open communication and active participation from all team members.
Participants build and share their models, facilitating a deeper understanding of different perspectives and fostering a collaborative spirit.
Experienced facilitators with hands-on experience are key to creating an environment where all voices are heard and valued. They have the basic knowledge as well as the practical skills to be able to effectively lead the session.
Driving Innovation and Change
Organizations that embrace the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method are better equipped to drive innovation and change.
The method’s emphasis on imagination and play allows participants to break free from conventional thinking and explore new ideas.
This creative exploration is crucial for developing innovative solutions and staying ahead in a competitive market.
Facilitator training programs, including both foundation training and advanced training, prepare leaders to inspire and manage this creative process effectively.
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Organizational Potential
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method is a powerful tool for addressing a wide range of organizational challenges, from strategic planning and problem-solving to team building and leadership development.
By engaging participants in a dynamic and interactive process, it helps organizations identify root causes of issues, develop effective strategies, and implement solutions that drive success.
Science-based processes underpin the method, ensuring that it is both reliable and effective. Online training options provide flexibility for facilitators to learn and refine their skills at their own pace.
Final Thoughts
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method offers a unique and effective approach to organizational development, leveraging the power of play and imagination to address complex business challenges.
By fostering creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking, this method helps organizations unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success.
Facilitator training, including foundation and advanced training, ensures that experienced facilitators can guide participants through this transformative process.
Hands-on experience, combined with a science-based process, makes the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method a powerful tool for any organization looking to innovate and thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.
Why be trained by Serious Play Business?
- We offer foundation and advanced training as 2 options for you, depending on budget and how you intend using this facilitation training in the future in your career as an academic, HR Manager or management consultant.
- There are several training providers to choose from. Our trainers have collectively 35 years of experience in the delivery of training events as well as in the training of facilitators from Learning & Development, from Universities and Business Schools and consultants in their own practice.
- Our learning program forms an interactive learning journey that is well structured, following adult learning principles.
- You not only have a 12-month access, you also can access further learning through our free pop-up, live learning events and additional bonus modules. We also include downloadable session plans – what an easy way to boost your facilitation skills!
- Finally, we are the most affordable certification on the market and the best value for money!
Contact us for more information on contact@seriousplaybusiness.com.
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