Facilitating a workshop using the LSP method can be an incredibly rewarding experience, let’s learn why it is important to get LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® training. This innovative process transforms traditional in person and online meetings into dynamic spaces.
This is where deeper imagination kicks in for collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Participants leverage LEGO® basic bricks to build tangible 3D models that encapsulate their ideas and insights. This is what makes workshops, training sessions and business strategy development sessions both interactive and engaging.
This guide aims to equip you with the tools, practical tips, and techniques you need to become a confident and effective facilitator. It helps you to develop and deliver impactful workshop experiences.
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method: An Overview
At its core, the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method is a hands-on facilitation approach that employs specially selected and ordinary bricks.
These bricks serve as a powerful visual communication tool, allowing participants to construct metaphorical models that represent their thoughts.
By creating three-dimensional models, individuals explore complex challenges collaboratively and generate effective solutions.
The method promotes both individual and community-based model-building. This enables experienced facilitators to deepen group understanding and unlock the collective creativity of participants.
A Brief History of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method
Developed in the late 1990s, the method emerged from a collaboration between the LEGO Group and academic researchers Johan Roos and Bart Victor.
Initially intended to assist executives in navigating strategic challenges, the methodology has since expanded into various industries and many applications.
Today it is used by business consultants to engage people in meetings and improve communication in meetings.
Learning & Development professionals widely use the method to help get experiential concepts across as a part of class activities.
Guiding Principles for Effective Facilitation
To be an effective facilitator, it’s essential to adhere to these guiding principles
Inclusive Participation: Ensure that every participant has the opportunity to do their own building activities and share. This is a way to make sure all voices are heard.
Exploration Through Building: Encourage participants to create models that truly reflect their thoughts. It’s way to develop a deeper level of exploration.
Storytelling for Understanding: Engage participants in storytelling as they explain their models. This leads to deeper reflection and fosters shared meaning among the group.
By committing to these principles, professional facilitators establish a safe and supportive environment for collaboration.
Structuring a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Session
A well-structured LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop typically follows a core four-step process:
The Challenge: Present an open-ended question aligned with the session’s goals.
Model Building: Participants use LEGO® 3D bricks to create various models, ranging from simple to detailed.
Story Sharing: Each participant shares the meaning behind their model and how it addresses the posed challenge.
Reflection and Feedback: The group comes together to reflect on the discussion and extract key takeaways.
This structured approach promotes clarity and enhances innovation and communication throughout the workshop. When you see the methodology in action, you realise how powerful it is as an approach to interaction amongst the participants.
Key Components of Your Toolkit
To effectively facilitate workshops, you’ll need a well-rounded toolkit, which includes:
Starter Kits: A diverse assortment of bricks, including basic and advanced LEGO® Technic components for building intricate models.
Special Elements: Items like gears, transparent bricks, and mini-figures that help bring abstract concepts to life. You will find these for instance in the Landscape Kit.
A Road Map: A comprehensive guide containing step-by-step instructions and model-building exercises to ensure a fluid workshop flow.
The Benefits of Utilizing the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Process
Engaging in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® results in numerous benefits, including:
Improved Collaboration: Creating shared models aligns ideas and fosters mutual respect among team members.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Participants refine their models iteratively, cultivating innovative problem-solving processes.
Increased Creativity: Visualizing ideas with LEGO® bricks encourages out-of-the-box thinking to improve business performance.
Equitable Participation: The method ensures every participant, regardless of their role or communication style, can contribute meaningfully.
Faster Consensus: Externalizing thoughts into physical representations allows teams to reach agreements more efficiently.
Building Trust and Driving Engagement: The shared act of building fosters connections, breaks down silos, and promotes free expression during discussions.
Practical Applications of the Method
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method has a wide range of applications, including:
Business Strategy Development: Craft adaptive strategies and business models for creating sustainable business solutions.
Educational Programs: Engage students with interactive exercises that clarify complex subjects. Or help them with their career planning.
Leadership Workshops: Assist leaders in refining their decision-making and self-awareness through reflective model-building.
Healthcare Innovation: Facilitate sessions aimed at streamlining processes and improving patient care strategies.
There are many more such examples! These applications illustrate how the method can address diverse challenges across various sectors.
Case Studies: Success Stories
Real-world applications of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® reveal its versatility and effectiveness:
Tech Firm: Enhanced cross-functional team alignment and accelerated innovation through engaging workshops.
University Program: Improved student engagement and career planning using interactive model-building exercises.
Healthcare Provider: Streamlined internal workflows and explored competitive strategies with the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method.
These successes underscore the method’s ability to facilitate meaningful organizational growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®?
Visit Serious Play Business to explore certification courses and training programs.
We have great interactive content in our online programs and you have access to content for 12 months.
Do you conduct training in person?
We conduct certification training in person for in-house groups. Please share your requirements with us and we will quote you accordingly.
Is training necessary to facilitate LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®?
There is no official certification. However, formal training equips you with advanced facilitation skills and bolsters your credibility.
Unlock Your Full Potential as a Facilitator
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method offers a powerful pathway to foster creativity, collaboration, and communication.
By mastering facilitation techniques and building a comprehensive toolkit, you create transformative workshops that empower teams and individuals alike.
For further guidance, explore certification programs and resources at Serious Play Business to embark on your facilitation journey and amplify your impact.
Essential LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Training and Certification
Leading effective sessions is not as straightforward as it appears.
Our certification options cover foundational skills, practical techniques, and advanced facilitation strategies.
Obtaining certification from a reputable provider, like Serious Play Business, not only enhances your credibility but ensures mastery of the methodology.
We have so much for you! For example: We have bonus video content so that you can see sessions in action. There’s also extra application techniques to help you use the method in different ways and in different contexts.
And we are the most affordable option on the market! Click here to learn more about our LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Training.
