When we think about business strategy and innovation, rarely do we think of a toy associated with childhood and fun. However, Lego® Serious Play® (LSP) methodology moves the boundaries of traditional business training and strategical thinking. This innovative technique uses Lego blocks as a tool for deeper understanding of business challenges and development of creative ideas.
History of LSP
Lego® Serious Play® (LSP®) has been present for a while. Its history dates back to the year 1996 when Lego innovation experts developed this methodology as a tool for boosting creativity, innovation and problem-solving in the field of business. LSP® has since evolved and spread all over the business world and it is now used by companies around the world that want to better their business and achieve success.
Lego Group faced rapid growth and globalization in the 1990s – and LSP® was born as a result. In that period, the company was focused on finding ways to better use the creative potential of its employees, as well as bettering team communication and cooperation. Inspired by the always present – and key – philosophy of free play and construction, the founders of LSP® Johan Roos and Bart Victor developed a method that allowed their employees to express their ideas and perspective through creative modeling – using Lego blocks. The primary reason for creating LSP® was creating of an environment in which every individual is encouraged to be a part of innovating solutions, gaining deeper understanding of business challenges through physical modeling and team interaction. This methodology soon became an irreplaceable way of Lego working and thinking, and it was soon adjusted and introduced to other organizations around the globe.
Lego® Serious Play® in practice
As the name itself says, Lego® Serious Play® is a serious and responsible process, performed by a certified facilitator. It is precisely the certified LSP® facilitator who has the key role in the preparation and leading of the process to ensure its efficiency and success. The preparation part of the process includes defining the goals of the session, structuring the process, choosing the activities and the relevant Lego elements, as well as creating the questions which will encourage deeper thinking and discussion. During the session, the facilitator leads the participants through the process by giving clear instructions, encouraging interactions, and ensuring that each of the participants feels included and supported. Their role is also recognition of key topics and obstacles in the work of the team and the individuals, facilitating delving deeper into their ideas and reaching relevant conclusions.
After completing a Lego® Serious Play® workshop participants usually feel empowered, inspired, and have a deeper understanding of the issues and topics covered. Through active participation in the process of modeling one’s ideas and perspectives, the participants get the feelings of productivity, contribution, and importance. LSP® also boosts creativity and innovative thinking – the result often being the participants leaving the session with new perspectives and problem-solving ideas.
Duration of the LSP® processes varies depending on the complexity of the topic, number of participants and session goals. It usually lasts from a couple of hours to a full day. It is important that the facilitator carefully plans the duration of each session to ensure enough time for all activities, including preparation, model building and sharing of the ideas and conclusions. It is also up to the facilitator to make the participants feel supported and included throughout the entire process to ensure the highest level of efficiency and value of the session.
Examples
When faced with the need to develop new innovative marketing strategies for one of its products, Google organized an LSP® workshop for their teams. The participants used Lego blocks and built models that represented various aspects of the product, target markets, competitions, and marketing strategies. Through this process, the teams visualized the complexity of the problem and together produced various creative solutions. The result was a plethora of innovative marketing strategies, which when implemented, brought the company an increase in sales and visibility.
In Croatia, more and more companies recognize the value of Lego® Serious Play® methodology in business improvement. Some companies use LSP® to develop, for example, innovative strategies for new product development, marketing agencies use it to improve teamwork and cooperation, or visualization of campaign strategies, and to encourage and better the exchange of ideas. Teams in different industries recognize LSP® as a very useful tool that can be used in various business situations – decision-making, team building, change management, better interdepartmental cooperation, encouragement of innovation, cooperation and problem-solving, et cetera. The first LSP® workshop in Croatia took place in 20017 – organized by HalPet and lead by trainer and certified facilitator Petra Čolak. LSP® has since been a staple of HalPet’s rich offer of educations and trainings.
The benefits of practicing the LSP® methodology are numerous – increased and better team cooperation, faster problem solving, increased employee engagement, increase in the quality of decision making based on a more in-depth understanding of the issue at hand. It also improves the communications skills of the participants and helps in building and accepting a common vision.
LSP® and LPC – more than a play-on-words
What do you get when you combine LSP® (Lego® Serious Play®) with HalPet’s LPC (Learn, Practice, Communicate©) method? A powerful way of bettering your business processes and achieving the desired results. HalPet’s LPC format emphasizes continuous learning, practicing, and communicating as key elements of skill development and goal achievement. When integrated with LSP®, this combination enables teams to delve deeper into their micro and macro plans, adopt new possibilities, apply ideas and strategies more easily, and improve their communication – between the members of the team, as well as with people outside of it. Lego® Serious Play® boosts creativity and innovation, while HalPet’s method gives structure for faster and more efficient learning and application of that knowledge. Through this integration, teams can achieve synergy which results in more control and clearer view of a situation, higher engagement, and more efficient solutions for business challenges.
Conclusion
Lego® Serious Play® methodology gives a deeper understanding of business challenges and encourages teamwork and innovative solutions. This innovative methodology can help your team achieve new levels of creativity, cooperation, and success.
If you want to upgrade any segment of work of your team, department, or company, we encourage you to think about immersing yourselves into the LSP® experience for a day and build your possibilities one block at a time. Whatever the case, you always count on LSP® being the educational solution that brings renewed energy and innovation to your company and your team.
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