Short-Workshop Introduction LEGO® SeriousPlay®

The LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) method is a moderated, creative workshop approach in which participants use LEGO bricks to visually and haptically model ideas, challenges and solutions. By building three-dimensional metaphors, complex topics can be made more understandable, different perspectives can be made visible and new approaches to solutions can be developed. The method is based on active, equal participation, so that each participant expresses and explains their thoughts through the model. This promotes open communication, in-depth reflection and sustainable cooperation.

LEGO® Serious Play® is a scientifically based method that was originally developed by LEGO in collaboration with scientists from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne. It is based on the idea that the hands are directly connected to the brain and that complex thoughts can be visualized, analysed and discussed by working haptically with LEGO bricks.

The principle is simple: you build to think. Instead of talking at length about problems, participants use LEGO bricks to create three-dimensional models of their thoughts, ideas or possible solutions. These models are then presented and reflected on as a team. This creates new perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.

The method follows a clear process that is accompanied by a trained moderator, the LEGO® SeriousPlay® facilitator.

After an introductory phase, the so-called “skill-building”, in which the participants are introduced to the method, the facilitator asks an open question on a specific topic (e.g. “What does our ideal teamwork look like?” or “What challenges do we need to solve?”), which is the basis for this LSP workshop.

Each participant then creates an individual model with LEGO bricks that symbolizes their personal perspective or solution idea. There are no wrong models - every expression is valid.

The participants then present their models individually and explain their meaning. Sharing their own thoughts based on the model promotes deep reflection and a better understanding within the group.

The presentation of the models is followed by the reflection phase, where the group analyzes the individual models, identifies common patterns, challenges or opportunities and develops new ideas and solutions.

This iterative process of building, imagining and reflecting is repeated several times if necessary in order to gain deeper and deeper insights.

The method is suitable for a wide range of applications, including

• Team development → Promoting trust, communication and collaboration.
• Strategy and innovation processes → Developing new business ideas or concepts.
• Conflict resolution → Visualization of tensions and development of joint solutions.
• Organizational development → Definition of visions, values and long-term goals.
• Management and change management → Supporting change processes.

Especially in times of hybrid work or distributed teams, LSP can help to create a common mindset and team identity.

In this interactive short workshop, participants will get to know and experience the LEGO SeriousPlay (LSP) method and facilitated process in a concentrated form by building with LEGO and applying this method themselves. At the end, they will be able to

decide whether it is worthwhile for them to delve deeper into this innovative approach in order to use LSP in their teams.

Key Takeaways: You will take away from the workshop your first practical experience with the LEGO® SeriousPlay® (LSP) method. You have built with LEGO and shared your models with other participants.

Material: In this short workshop, each participant receives a small bag of LEGO bricks (the so-called Window Exploration Bag) with which they can actively build and experience LSP in the workshop.