What LEGO Serious Play? Discover a Creative and Transformative Methodology
The LEGO Serious Play methodology has revolutionized the way companies and teams approach problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation. Through the use of LEGO bricks as tools, this methodology offers a unique and effective way to generate ideas, foster participation, and enhance collaboration in a business environment. In this article, we will delve deep into what LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) methodology is and how it can have a positive impact on organizational dynamics.
Exploring the Foundations of LEGO Serious Play Method
Definition and Origins
LEGO Serious Play is a facilitation methodology that employs the iconic LEGO pieces as tools for communication, thinking, and problem-solving. It was developed by LEGO Group in collaboration with experts in the field of creativity and organizational development.
It all started because Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the owner and CEO of the LEGO Group, grew frustrated with conventional methods of strategic development that he had been using unsuccessfully in his company (the digital and computer gaming era was starting to affect the company’s sales and development). For this reason, he approached the IMD business school in Lausanne, Switzerland, and joined two professors, Johan Roos and Bart Victor, to implement a more innovative approach in his teams using LEGO®.
It was conceived exclusively for in-company use, with the purpose of nurturing the imaginative capacities of LEGO® teams in crafting strategic development plans and expanding the creativity and human potential of the organization. The first certified facilitators emerged in late 2001, early 2002.
Foundations of the Methodology
The methodology is based on the premise that all team members possess valuable knowledge and perspectives that can contribute to the organization’s success. Through physical construction with LEGO bricks, participants can express complex ideas in a tangible and visual manner.
Key Components of LEGO Serious Play
Individual Construction
Participants begin by building individual models that represent their ideas and perspectives on a specific theme. Physical construction activates different areas of the brain and helps unlock creative thinking.
Sharing Stories
After building, each participant shares the story behind their model with the group. This allows for a deeper understanding of individual perspectives and encourages active listening.
Collective Construction
Individual models are combined to create a collective model that reflects the ideas shared by the entire group. This promotes collaboration and co-creation.
Reflection and Exploration
As the models come to life, participants together explore connections, emerging patterns, and potential solutions. This leads to deeper thinking and the generation of innovative ideas.
The Transformative Impact of LEGO Serious Play
Fostering Creativity
The LEGO® Serious Play® method stimulates creativity by providing participants with an unconventional way to express their ideas. Physical construction unlocks new perspectives and unexplored solutions.
Improving Communication
By using tangible objects instead of words, LEGO Serious Play facilitates more effective and authentic communication. Participants can express complex concepts clearly and concisely.
Generating Innovative Solutions
Building and discussing models lead to the generation of out-of-the-box solutions. The diversity of perspectives enriches idea exploration and decision-making.
Strengthening Team Cohesion
Collaboration in creating a collective model fosters the building of strong relationships among team members. The methodology promotes a sense of belonging and collaboration.
Making More Informed Decisions
Visualizing ideas through models allows participants to analyze and evaluate possible solutions more effectively. This leads to more informed and well-grounded decisions.
FAQs about LEGO Serious Play
What is the difference between the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology and other facilitation methods? Unlike traditional methods, LEGO Serious Play is based on physical construction, making it highly interactive and creative.
Who can benefit from LEGO Serious Play? Any organization, team, or group seeking to foster innovation, collaboration, and effective decision-making can benefit from the methodology.
Is it necessary to be a LEGO expert to use the methodology? It’s not necessary to be a LEGO expert. The methodology is based on free construction and personal interpretation of the models.
What kind of topics can be addressed with LEGO Serious Play? The methodology is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of topics, such as business strategy, conflict resolution, and leadership development.
How is a LEGO Serious Play session facilitated? A certified facilitator like me guides the session, posing open-ended questions (building challenges) and leading discussions around the built models.
Conclusion: Building Ideas with LEGO
LEGO Serious Play is much more than a simple activity with building blocks. It is a transformative methodology that expands possibilities for thinking, communication, and collaboration in the business world. By empowering participants to visually build and share their ideas, the methodology offers a fresh and effective way to tackle challenges and achieve success.
I facilitate workshops and events for Team Building, Cultural Diversity, Team Coaching, Creativity and Innovation, Design Thinking, Business Strategy, and Organizational Culture, among others, based on the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology. I work in Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or anywhere in the mainland, Balearic, and Canary Islands.
