In a fast-paced world, business life is always filled with challenging issues. Companies are always seeking innovative solutions to their challenges.
These complex challenges cannot be solved if there are poor communication skills.
The LEGO® Serious Play® process is way to combine the tactile, hands-on nature of 3D models with powerful facilitation techniques. This is how the method helps businesses address complex issues!
These metaphorical models set off your creative imagination. They fire start ways to develop innovative strategies in all fields of business.
Who could have imagined that these standard bricks could achieve so much?
In this article, we’ll explore how the LEGO® Serious Play® process can transform the way businesses solve problems, foster team development and drive a sustainable business.
Whether you’re an academic, facilitator or consultant, the insights described here will give you a deeper understanding of this unique methodology.
The Core of the LEGO® Serious Play® Method
It is more than just building models with colorful bricks.
It’s a facilitated workshop that encourages participants to think creatively and communicate ideas in a physical form.
This hands-on learning approach makes it easier to tackle complex problems and arrive at robust solutions and concrete actions.
- It taps into visual thinking and critical thinking to allow ideas to emerge in unexpected ways.
- In LSP sessions, participants are prompted by a facilitator to build 3D models that represent their thoughts on a specific issue.
- These 3-dimensional models become metaphors for real-world scenarios. This helps individuals and teams become engaged in active participation.
- This in turn helps to generate ideas, align on goals, and overcome challenges collaboratively.
It’s what you call true hands-on thinking!
Why is the LEGO® Serious Play® Process Effective
The facilitation of the LEGO® Serious Play® method is what makes it truly powerful. A skilled facilitator guides tables or groups of 4-8 participants through the process.
The workshop methodology ensures that everyone’s input is valued and that the group stays focused on their goals.
- The structured nature of the workshop, combined with the creative freedom offered by LEGO® bricks, results in deep engagement and meaningful outcomes.
- Additionally, the use of visual thinking allows participants to externalize their thoughts. This makes abstract concepts more concrete and easier to discuss.
- This is particularly useful in strategic planning, organisational development and business development. This is where the complexities of a business can be difficult to visualize using traditional methods.
Creative Problem-Solving Through Play
One of the core principles of LEGO® Serious Play® is creative problem-solving. Many businesses struggle with getting teams to think outside the box.
However, LSP uses the playful nature of LEGO® bricks to inspire participants to explore new perspectives and ideas.
This not only breaks down barriers to communication but also fosters an environment where participants feel more comfortable sharing bold ideas.
By physically building actionable solutions, teams can test and iterate on ideas more effectively than with traditional brainstorming or whiteboard sessions.
It is in fact a cognitive approach that brings strong results.
And of course, this all happens in psychological safety!
Leadership Development and Team Building
Leadership development is another area where the method excels. It is not just another training session filled with management theory.
The method encourages leaders to take a step back and let their teams take ownership of their ideas and solutions.
This interactive learning approach helps leaders build team alignment. It does so by creating a space where everyone’s voice is heard, and ideas are valued.
Additionally, LSP is an excellent tool for team building to help improve the way teams meet organisational challenges.
It encourages individuals to work together to solve problems, helping to develop stronger interpersonal relationships and fostering communication enhancement.
This, in turn, leads to more cohesive and high-performing teams.
These basic bricks become the starting point for new, innovative thinking tools.
Business Strategy Development
When it comes to business strategy development, think about building a better business using the LEGO® Serious Play® method.
Rather than relying on static presentations or verbal discussions, these individual models create dynamic representations of strategies. In fact, whole new business models might emerge!
This allows teams to visualize the interconnections between different components of their strategy, from resources to risks.
One key element of this process is systems thinking. By using LEGO® models, participants can see how different aspects of a business influence one another.
We do not know of any other strategy tool that is as powerful!
Unlocking Innovation with LEGO® Serious Play®
In a world where businesses need to innovate to stay competitive, LSP offers an accessible and engaging way to spur creativity.
By tapping into hands-on learning, teams can rapidly prototype new ideas, test them in real-time, and iterate based on feedback. This innovation process is not only faster but also more inclusive. It involves everyone in the decision-making process.
One of the key benefits of LSP is its ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts.
By encouraging model building with LEGO®, participants can explore different solutions in a tangible, visual way.
This hands-on approach fosters deeper engagement. It drives insight generation that might not emerge in more conventional settings.
Storytelling with LEGO® Bricks
Another powerful aspect of LSP is its use of storytelling.
Once participants build their models, they share the story behind them. This narrative-driven approach is particularly effective in organizational development, where shared understanding and alignment on goals are essential.
Through storytelling, teams can communicate their ideas more effectively. This helps to bridge gaps in understanding and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
This is especially important in large organizations or cross-functional teams, where communication challenges can hinder progress.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict is inevitable in any organization, but this method provides a novel way to resolve disagreements and build consensus.
By focusing on conflict resolution through building and discussing LEGO® models, teams can explore different perspectives. This is how they come to a mutual understanding in a non-threatening, playful environment.
The LEGO® Serious Play® method workshops often include a component of appreciative inquiry. Participants focus on discovering the best in themselves and their teams.
This positive focus encourages more open and constructive conversations, helping to resolve conflicts and improve collaboration.
Distance Coaching
While the LEGO® Serious Play® process is often conducted in-person, it can also be adapted for distance coaching. You are able to use many types of coaching frameworks.
By using digital tools and mailing LEGO® kits to participants, facilitators can run virtual LSP sessions. These are just as effective as in-person ones.
This flexibility makes LSP accessible to teams spread across multiple locations. It helps them stay connected and aligned on their goals.
Get Started with the LEGO® Serious Play® Process
If you’re interested in unlocking the potential of your team and improving your business outcomes, now is the time to explore the LEGO® Serious Play® process.
We highly recommend gaining a certificate from training providers who are able to prove you with advanced training options.
The facilitator training available through Serious Play Business gives you options for both foundational and advanced learning.
For further answers to questions you might have, look at our FAQ’s here.
