What is the LEGO® Serious Play® method and why does it work?
At first glance, LEGO® bricks might seem like mere toys for children, but they are so much more. The genius behind the LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) method is harnessing the power of these iconic plastic bricks to foster creativity, teamwork, and innovative thinking.
Developed originally by the LEGO® Group, this method provides a unique platform for individuals and groups to express ideas and solve complex problems.
The Serious Play® Aspect
The “serious play” part of the method’s name might raise eyebrows.
However, it signifies a shift from conventional, often tedious, corporate meetings and brainstorming sessions.
LSP encourages workshop participants to engage in structured, playful activities, resulting in a deeper level of understanding and collaboration.
It’s a departure from the typical boardroom, offering a dynamic and interactive approach to tackling challenges. And it works in face to face sessions as well as in the virtual world of Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
So, Why Does LEGO® Serious Play® Work?
Engaging the Hands and the Mind
- One of the key reasons behind the effectiveness of LSP is its emphasis on tactile learning.
- Research has shown that engaging both our hands and minds leads to better retention and understanding.
- When individuals in workshops physically build representations of their thoughts and ideas with the bricks, they reinforce their understanding of complex concepts.
Leveling the Playing Field
- Traditional meetings often have a hierarchical structure where senior members dominate the conversation. It’s often the loud mouths who get heard!
- LEGO® Serious Play® changes this dynamic, therefore, everyone from the most junior member to the CEO, participates equally.
- Since ideas are represented through bricks, not words, there’s no room for dominating or silencing voices. This creates an inclusive environment where all perspectives are valued.
Encouraging Playfulness
- Playfulness is often associated with children, but it’s a powerful tool for adults as well. When we engage in playful activities, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
- This not only makes the experience enjoyable but also enhances our ability to think creatively and solve problems.
- LEGO® Serious Play® leverages this natural response, making participants more receptive to exploring new ideas.
Storytelling and Metaphor
- Humans have used storytelling as a means of communication for millennia. LEGO® Serious Play® taps into this ancient tradition, allowing participants to craft narratives through their creations.
- These stories and metaphors serve as powerful vehicles for conveying complex concepts and fostering deeper understanding among team members.
Boosting Collaboration
- Collaboration is the lifeblood of modern organizations, and LEGO® Serious Play® is tailor-made for enhancing teamwork.
- The method encourages participants to connect their models, creating a shared landscape of ideas.
- This collaborative approach sparks new insights and solutions that might have remained hidden in a traditional meeting setting. It’s not just about knowledge sharing – it’s making sure that each person in the room has a voice.
Fostering Innovation
- Innovation thrives when individuals feel safe to take risks and explore unconventional ideas.
- LEGO® Serious Play® creates a safe space where participants can experiment without fear of judgment. This freedom to innovate often leads to groundbreaking solutions and fresh perspectives on existing challenges.
Tapping into Multiple Intelligences
- Psychologist Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences suggests that humans possess a range of cognitive abilities beyond traditional measures of intelligence.
- LEGO® Serious Play® honors these diverse intelligences, allowing individuals to express their ideas through various channels, including visual, spatial, and kinesthetic.
- This inclusivity ensures that everyone’s unique strengths are leveraged in problem-solving. It’s a true community of people who genuinely want to work towards a solution.
Success Stories: LEGO® Serious Play® in Action
To truly appreciate the power of the LEGO® Serious Play® method, it’s essential to see it in action.
Many of our client organizations and institutions worldwide have embraced this innovative approach to problem-solving with remarkable results.
Enhancing Corporate Strategy
Large corporations such as Google and Microsoft have adopted LEGO® Serious Play® to develop and refine their corporate strategies.
By involving employees at all levels, they’ve tapped into a wealth of creative ideas, ultimately improving their competitiveness and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.
The sessions are facilitated by experienced facilitators who have undergone certification to ensure that they apply the method in an appropriate way.
Transforming Education
In the education sector, the method has breathed new life into classrooms. Teachers who have undergone training in the method, use LEGO® Serious Play® to make learning more engaging and interactive for students.
Concepts that are intangible and harder to discuss, are brought to life as students build and collaborate, igniting their curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Empowering Nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations like UNICEF have harnessed LEGO® Serious Play® to address complex global challenges.
By using the method to facilitate discussions and brainstorming sessions, they’ve developed innovative solutions for humanitarian crises and sustainable development.
All these workshops are conducted by facilitators who have undertaken training to gain certification as practitioners of LSP.
Conclusion: Building a Brighter Future
The LEGO® Serious Play® method’s success lies in its ability to break down barriers, stimulate creativity, and foster collaboration.
By shifting the traditional corporate and educational landscape, it offers a glimpse into a more inclusive, innovative, and interconnected future.
As organizations and individuals continue to grapple with an ever-changing world, embracing unconventional yet effective approaches like LSP is essential. It’s a testament to the power of playfulness, collaboration, and creative thinking in solving the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Why be trained through a facilitator training program to gain certification?
Play4Business as one of the top training providers globally is proud to offer the Foundation Training through online training delivery.
This provides consultants, coached and organizational development professionals with the opportunity to build their skills.
There is also an Advanced Training option to ensure that you build the skills you need and apply them in so many ways: team building and development, leadership development and growth, project management and an addition to your facilitator or trainer toolbox.
To learn more about how you can undergo training through Play4Business, follow these links:
