By: Dhania Puspa Purbasari
Playing Lego is often seen as a creative activity for children. However, did you know that playing Lego can also be an effective self-development tool for adults? With the Lego Serious Play method, playing Lego is not just fun but can also help develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills.
What is Lego Serious Play?
Lego Serious Play (LSP) is a facilitation method that uses Lego bricks to help individuals and teams think, discuss, and solve problems creatively. Developed by the Lego Group based on research showing that “thinking with hands” can stimulate deeper cognitive processes, this method enables participants to explore abstract and complex ideas visually and physically.
During a Lego Serious Play session, participants are asked to build three-dimensional models that represent specific ideas, concepts, or solutions. This process helps articulate thoughts that may be difficult to express with words alone and encourages richer dialogue. Through this serious play approach, participants can develop skills such as creative problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
Benefits of Playing Lego with the Lego Serious Play Approach
Playing Lego with the Lego Serious Play approach offers several significant benefits for self-development:
- Enhances Creativity and Problem-Solving
Playing Lego requires thinking outside the box. With the Lego Serious Play method, this ability is strengthened through activities that involve building models to represent innovative solutions to specific challenges. This activity trains participants to think creatively and design new approaches to solving problems. - Improves Critical Thinking Skills
As participants build Lego models, they are also encouraged to consider the meaning behind each element used. This helps them develop critical thinking skills in analyzing problems and finding appropriate solutions. - Facilitates Effective Communication
Model-based discussions with Lego make team communication more dynamic. Every team member is encouraged to express their ideas in a clear and structured manner, strengthening understanding and cooperation among members. - Encourages Participation and Engagement
Not everyone feels comfortable speaking in public, especially in professional settings. However, with Lego Serious Play, each participant has the opportunity to express themselves through a different medium, reducing communication barriers and increasing overall engagement. - Builds Trust and Collaboration
By playing and building models together, participants learn to be more open and trusting. This is crucial in strengthening team dynamics and creating a healthier and more productive work environment.
How to Utilize Lego Serious Play for Self-Development
You can utilize Lego Serious Play in various settings, whether for personal growth or team development in organizations. Start by setting specific goals, such as building a shared vision, solving complex problems, or strengthening team dynamics. These sessions are usually guided by a trained facilitator who will help steer discussions and the model-building process.
During the session, each participant is invited to build individual models that represent their thoughts or solutions. These individual models are then combined to create a more comprehensive and collective representation. The discussions and reflections that emerge during this process are invaluable for gaining deep insights and formulating actionable steps.
Why is Lego Serious Play Trending Among Professionals?
The trend of using Lego Serious Play is growing among professionals for both self-development and organizational purposes. Playing Lego with this approach allows everyone—from managers to team members—to participate equally, encouraging open dialogue and finding solutions together in a fun way.
If you want to learn more about how LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can help unlock your or your team’s potential, Qando Qoaching is here to be your partner. We offer facilitated Lego Serious Play sessions designed for various needs, from boosting creativity to developing organizational strategies.
Visit campsite.bio/qqgroup for more information, and follow us on social media to get self-development tips and updates on our latest programs. Mari bersama melangkah menuju Indonesia hebat with creative and innovative approaches!
