LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
The purpose of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is to change “lean backward meetings” to “lean forward meetings” where the result is more participation, more insights surfaced, more engagement, and ultimately more commitment and faster implementations.The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method (LSP) is a facilitated thinking, communication and problem-solving technique for use with organizations,teams and individuals. It draws on extensive research from the fields of business, organizational development, psychology and learning, and is based on the concept of “hand knowledge.” LSP is grounded in action research and evidence drawn from a range of existing disciplines and proven scientific research within the fields of Constructivism, Neuroscience, Flow, Play and Imagination. Each participant builds his or her own three-dimensional Lego model in response to the facilitator’s questions,using specifically selected bricks and pieces. These 3D models make physical stories and insights, which the participants share with the group using metaphor and experience, which in turn becomes the basis for group discussion, knowledge-sharing, problem solving, and decision-making.
Why is LSP effective?
In LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, the Lego brick serves as a common language that everyone can use, regardless of their education, position, or culture. This ensures that everyone's knowledge and insights are surfaced.
1.
The starting focus in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is on each individual and not the group. The structure of the process requires everyone to be actively involved in the decision - making process, which increases the probability that all parties will honor the decisions and agreements after the meeting.
2.
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® produces more concrete ideas and results, because everyone has time to build his or her answers and input before conversation and knowledge - sharing begins.
3.
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® insures faster and better communication and understanding because it uses 3D visualization, metaphors, and stories. This also leads to fewer misunderstandings.
4.
Meetings facilitated by LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® stay on topic because the focus is on the bricks, not on the person. This also allows the discussion to become very intense without creating personal conflicts.
5.
Purposes
It is a good idea to use Lego Serious play if it is important:
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That everyone is able to contribute his or her knowledge and opinions on a level playing field
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That the meeting includes honest dialogue and collaborative communication
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That no participant dominates at the expense of others, whether from a dominant personality or by pursuing a personal agenda
Subjects
It is a good idea to use Lego serious play when:
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The subject is complex and multifaceted, and there are no clear answers
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There is a need to grasp the big picture, see connections, and explore various options and potential solutions
Results
It is a good idea to use Lego serious play if it is important:
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To make decisions that everyone commits to and honors after the meeting, even though she or he does not agree 100% with everything
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To make sure there are no excuses or lack of initiative after the meeting
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To give all participants a common understanding that will impact their work together after the meeting
The purpose of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is to change “lean backward meetings” to “lean forward meetings” where the result is more participation, more insights surfaced, more engagement, and ultimately more commitment and faster implementations.The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method (LSP) is a facilitated thinking, communication and problem-solving technique for use with organizations,teams and individuals. It draws on extensive research from the fields of business, organizational development, psychology and learning, and is based on the concept of “hand knowledge.” LSP is grounded in action research and evidence drawn from a range of existing disciplines and proven scientific research within the fields of Constructivism, Neuroscience, Flow, Play and Imagination. Each participant builds his or her own three-dimensional Lego model in response to the facilitator’s questions,using specifically selected bricks and pieces. These 3D models make physical stories and insights, which the participants share with the group using metaphor and experience, which in turn becomes the basis for group discussion, knowledge-sharing, problem solving, and decision-making.