Unlock Team Innovation with the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® enhances teamwork and creativity, turning abstract ideas into tangible solutions through collaborative model building.
Looking for a way to boost teamwork and creativity? LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) is a hands-on method that helps teams solve problems, spark ideas, and improve communication. By using LEGO bricks to build models, teams can tackle challenges in a fun and engaging way while fostering open dialogue and collaboration.
Key Benefits of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
- Improved Team Engagement: Turns passive meetings into interactive sessions.
- Enhanced Communication: Creates a shared language to discuss complex ideas.
- Faster Decision-Making: Encourages inclusive and effective group decisions.
- Boosted Creativity: Uses visual and metaphorical thinking to generate new ideas.
How It Works:
- Define the Problem: Participants build individual models to represent their perspectives.
- Create a Shared Model: Combine ideas to highlight connections and shared goals.
- Explore Solutions: Use the model to brainstorm strategies and address challenges.
Whether you're navigating hybrid work or aiming to strengthen team trust, LSP can help UK organisations build stronger, more innovative teams. Ready to try it? Gather some LEGO kits and start building!
Think with your hands -- an introduction to the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology.
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method Basics
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) takes abstract ideas and turns them into something you can see and touch. By building physical models, teams can explore challenges in a hands-on way, uncovering new perspectives and insights.
3 Main Steps of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
The LSP process is broken down into three key phases, each building on the last to deliver meaningful results:
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Problem Definition and Individual Building
Participants begin by identifying the challenge at hand. Each person creates their own model to represent their unique perspective, ensuring everyone has an equal voice in the discussion. -
Shared Model Creation
Once individual models are built, participants present their creations and explain the ideas behind them. The team then works together to combine these elements into a shared model, uncovering connections and shared themes that might not have been obvious before. -
Strategic Exploration
In the final phase, the shared model becomes a tool for exploring scenarios and brainstorming solutions. Teams use it to pinpoint challenges and opportunities, ultimately crafting strategies that can be put into action.
These steps are grounded in research that highlights the cognitive and collaborative advantages of the method.
Research Behind the Method
Building models with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® bricks engages multiple areas of the brain, helping participants think more creatively and retain insights more effectively.
"The Lego Serious Play methodology was exactly what I was hoping for to bring our group together - Dave's ability to connect with an extremely diverse group and facilitate spirited and meaningful dialogue was extraordinary."
– Michael Dean Dargie, Egomaniacal Productions Ltd.
The success of LSP is rooted in several guiding principles:
- Accelerated Trust Building: LSP sessions help teams build trust and reach consensus up to three times faster than traditional approaches.
- Improved Memory Retention: The physical models act as visual reminders, making it easier to recall insights long after the session ends.
- Authentic Expression: The process encourages open and honest dialogue by visually representing ideas.
For instance, in October 2014, an agile software company used LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to strengthen their development team. The workshop focused on identifying both individual and team strengths, leading to clearer communication and better collaboration.
| Benefit | Impact on Team Dynamics |
|---|---|
| Visual Thinking | Turns abstract ideas into tangible, visible models |
| Equal Participation | Ensures everyone is engaged and contributing equally |
| Rapid Prototyping | Allows for quick testing and iteration of ideas |
| Common Language | Creates shared understanding through physical models |
These benefits lay the groundwork for stronger team trust and more effective decision-making, which will be discussed in the next section.
Results for Leaders and Teams
LSP delivers results that strengthen team dynamics and encourage fresh thinking. Studies highlight how teams using this approach often see noticeable improvements in collaboration and problem-solving.
Building Team Trust and Openness
LSP helps create psychological safety, a key ingredient for fostering innovation. Teams engaging with this method often report stronger connections and more honest communication. Research indicates that LSP workshops can lead to lasting shifts in team behaviour, with participants developing greater empathy and deeper understanding, which contribute to a more supportive and collaborative work culture. This sense of safety empowers team members to take creative risks without the fear of criticism. These trust-building outcomes significantly enhance team decision-making and communication.
Improved Decision-Making and Dialogue
The hands-on nature of LSP allows teams to approach complex challenges with greater clarity. By physically building and interacting with ideas, teams experience:
| Improvement Area | Observed Impact |
|---|---|
| Focus & Concentration | Reduced anxiety and a more composed approach to challenges |
| Systems Thinking | Improved understanding of team dynamics and interconnections |
| Collaborative Decision-Making | More inclusive and thoughtful group decisions |
| Innovation Capacity | Greater ability to create and refine new ideas |
These benefits arise from LSP's ability to create a shared language using physical models, enabling teams to address sensitive or challenging topics more effectively.
Solutions for UK Teams
British workplaces face unique hurdles, particularly with the rise of hybrid working and the need for inclusive practices. LSP offers tailored solutions for UK teams, including:
- Bridging the divide between office-based and remote workers through shared activities
- Addressing language and communication barriers in diverse teams
- Strengthening resilience and adapting to change
Research shows that LSP sessions help teams forge enduring connections. These results make LSP a valuable resource for British organisations aiming to drive innovation while maintaining their distinctive workplace culture.
Getting Started with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
Curious about how to put LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) into action? Here's a practical guide to get you started.
Planning Your First Workshop
Careful preparation is key to running a successful LSP workshop. If you're hosting a session for 10–12 participants, you'll need the following materials:
| Component | Cost (GBP) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Kit | £21.99 | Basic tools for individual exercises |
| Identity and Landscape Kit | £614.99 | Essential materials for extended workshops |
| Window Exploration Bag | £314.99 | Extra creative elements for deeper exploration |
| Connections Kit | £489.99 | Advanced pieces for connecting ideas |
Once your materials are sorted, focus on these important steps to ensure a smooth session:
- Develop a Workshop Structure: Plan a detailed timeline. For example, in a three-hour session, you might allocate 30 minutes for introductions and warm-up exercises, followed by the main activities and reflections.
- Set Up the Environment: Choose a spacious, well-lit room with comfortable seating and good ventilation. A relaxed setting encourages creativity.
- Prepare a Question Framework: Start with straightforward building tasks and gradually introduce more complex, metaphorical challenges. The questions should align with your workshop goals and inspire participants to think deeply.
Leading LSP Sessions
Facilitating an LSP session requires a balance of structure and adaptability. Keep participants engaged by following these tips:
- Kick things off with simple building tasks that take about 3–4 minutes.
- Give everyone equal time to share their thoughts and creations.
- Capture the session's insights with photos and notes for future reference.
- Focus on the stories and meanings behind the builds, rather than the technical aspects of construction.
UK Success Stories
LSP has already made waves in the UK, helping organisations tackle challenges in creative ways. For instance, a healthcare workshop used the Identity and Landscape Kit to map out patient journeys. This approach helped teams identify areas for improvement and encouraged collaborative problem-solving, leading to more effective service delivery.
If you're serious about mastering LSP, consider attending certified training sessions through the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Community. Learning proper facilitation techniques can help you make the most of this method, ensuring it delivers real value in your organisation.
These examples highlight how LSP can spark meaningful changes across a variety of industries in the UK.
Conclusion: Making LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Work
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) has proven itself as a powerful method for strengthening team dynamics in UK organisations. Research, such as Google's study on psychological safety, highlights how crucial a safe and open environment is for team success. LSP helps create this space by breaking down traditional communication barriers, enabling teams to collaborate more effectively, develop empathy, and improve their interactions.
To make the most of LSP, consider these practical steps:
- Get trained: Enrol in certified LSP facilitation courses to lead impactful sessions.
- Plan ahead: Integrate regular LSP sessions into your organisation's training and development schedule.
- Customise the approach: Tailor LSP activities to tackle your organisation's unique challenges.
FAQs
How does the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method build communication and trust in hybrid teams?
The LEGO™ Serious Play™ method offers a dynamic way for hybrid teams to enhance communication and trust. By using a hands-on approach, it creates an environment where everyone has an equal voice. Through activities like building and storytelling, team members can share ideas and perspectives that might not emerge in typical discussions, leading to a stronger sense of understanding and empathy.
This approach also promotes collaboration and sparks creative problem-solving. By concentrating on shared goals and working together to visualise solutions, hybrid teams can tackle challenges more effectively and build meaningful connections, even when spread across different locations.
How can I effectively run a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop for my organisation?
How to Run a Successful LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Workshop
To make your LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop a hit, it’s essential to first understand the methodology. This approach is all about sparking creativity, encouraging teamwork, and tackling problems in an engaging way. Start by familiarising yourself with its purpose and principles to ensure you’re clear on how it works.
Next, make sure you’ve got the right LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® kits and materials ready for your participants. These are crucial for the hands-on activities that form the backbone of the session. If possible, enlist the help of a trained facilitator. Their expertise can ensure the activities are well-structured and the method is applied effectively.
If you’re just starting out, attending a facilitator training programme can be a great way to build your confidence and learn the ropes. Careful preparation is also vital - plan your session thoughtfully and tailor it to meet your team’s specific objectives. With the right tools, planning, and guidance, LEGO™ Serious Play™ can be a powerful way to spark innovation and enhance team dynamics.
How does LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® help teams think creatively and make better decisions?
LEGO™ Serious Play™ is a dynamic approach that brings teams together to spark creativity and enhance decision-making. It combines the physical act of building with LEGO bricks and thoughtful discussions, engaging the brain in ways that inspire fresh ideas and perspectives.
Through the use of metaphors and storytelling, participants can convey complex concepts in a more accessible and impactful manner. This process fosters deeper understanding and collaboration, creating a space where everyone’s voice is heard. As a result, decisions are shaped by a broad range of viewpoints, ensuring they are both inclusive and well-informed.