The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology is a powerful and innovative collaboration tool that has been transforming the way businesses approach problem-solving, team building, and strategic planning. Designed to engage and involve every team member, Lego Serious Play (LSP) leverages the creativity and hands-on nature of LEGO bricks to break down barriers, foster open communication, and unlock the full potential of teams. In this article, we will explore why LSP is such a powerful tool and how it has successfully driven significant improvements in digital thinking and digital maturity for a global FMCG business.

Why it works:

1. Engaging and Inclusive One of the key strengths of LSP is its ability to engage and involve every participant, regardless of their role, expertise, or background. By using LEGO bricks as a tactile and visual medium, LSP encourages active participation and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued. This level of engagement leads to richer discussions, more creative solutions, and a stronger sense of ownership and commitment among team members.

2. Unlocks Creativity and Innovation LSP stimulates creativity and innovation by encouraging participants to think outside the box and explore new ideas and perspectives. By building and manipulating LEGO models, team members can express their thoughts and insights in a tangible and visual way, enabling them to more effectively communicate and collaborate on complex challenges.

3. Encourages Open Communication and Collaboration LSP fosters open communication and collaboration by breaking down hierarchical barriers and creating a safe space for honest and candid conversations. As participants share their LEGO models and the stories behind them, they develop a deeper understanding of one another's perspectives and ideas, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.

How it works:

Lego Serious Play (LSP) is a facilitated, hands-on methodology that utilises LEGO bricks as a medium to encourage creative problem-solving, communication, and collaboration among team members. Developed by LEGO Group, LSP is based on the idea that hands-on, minds-on learning enhances understanding and retention, and that play can provide powerful insights and solutions. Here is a breakdown of how LSP works and what participants do during an LSP session:

1. Preparation and Setting the Stage: Before starting an LSP session, the facilitator sets a clear objective and context for the workshop. The environment should be arranged to foster creativity, collaboration, and open communication, with participants seated around a table, and a variety of LEGO bricks available for building.

2. The Four Core Steps of LSP: The LSP process typically follows four core steps: posing the question, building, sharing, and reflecting. The facilitator guides participants through these steps, ensuring everyone remains engaged and involved.

   1. Posing the Question: The facilitator poses a question or challenge related to the workshop's objective. This question should be open-ended, allowing for a wide range of possible answers and stimulating creative thinking.

   2. Building: Participants individually construct LEGO models in response to the posed question. The building process encourages participants to think creatively and translate their thoughts, ideas, and insights into tangible, three-dimensional LEGO models.

   3. Sharing: After completing their models, participants take turns presenting their creations to the group. They share the story behind their model, explaining the meaning and significance of each element. This process encourages open communication and helps to develop a shared understanding among team members.

   4. Reflecting: Once all participants have shared their models, the group reflects on the insights and ideas that emerged during the sharing process. The facilitator may guide the group in a discussion, exploring common themes, identifying potential solutions, and determining the next steps.

   5. Iterative Process: LSP sessions can involve multiple rounds of building and sharing, with each round building upon the insights and ideas generated in the previous one. This iterative process allows for the exploration of complex issues and the development of a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Group Model Building: In some LSP workshops, participants may work together to create a shared model that represents a collective understanding or vision. This collaborative building process encourages teamwork, negotiation, and alignment among team members.

Case Study: A global FMCG worked with the Fiora Team to facilitate a 3 day workshop in Toronto:

Focusing on enhancing their understanding of digital thinking and the value of digital maturity. The results were nothing short of remarkable, with the team experiencing over 60% improvement in their comprehension of digital thinking and an astounding 80% increase in their appreciation for digital maturity.

The workshop's success can be attributed to the power of LSP in fostering an environment of open communication, creativity, and collaboration. The hands-on nature of LSP enabled the team to engage with complex concepts, develop a shared understanding of digital thinking and digital maturity, and uncover new insights and opportunities for growth and improvement.

Lego Serious Play has proven to be a game-changing collaboration tool for businesses, driving significant improvements in digital thinking, digital maturity, and overall team performance. By engaging and involving every participant, unlocking creativity and innovation, and fostering open communication and collaboration, LSP offers a powerful and effective approach to tackling the complex challenges faced by businesses today.