Toolkit for Facilitators using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method
This essential toolkit equips facilitators with everything they need to run successful sessions using this innovative process. By using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method, you can help participants unlock new perspectives, solve complex problems, and engage in powerful storytelling.
In this comprehensive guide, we dive into the core components, and best practices to help you excel as an experienced facilitator.
Whether you’re working with corporate teams, students, or individuals, having the right toolkit and strategies ensures every session is impactful.
Are you ready to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and guide participants through meaningful experiences using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method? Let’s explore how the right materials, preparation, and facilitation techniques can make all the difference.
Understanding LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Methodology
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology is designed to enhance creative thinking, communication, and collaboration by using LEGO® bricks as a visual language.
This hands-on approach enables participants to build 3D metaphorical models of their ideas so that they create shared understanding within a group.
Facilitators lead participants in constructing both simple models and more complex community-based models to represent individual and collective insights.
Key elements of this methodology include structured exercises, open-ended prompts, and the use of special elements such as gears connectors, and mini-figures. This all helps to bring abstract concepts to life.
Facilitators guide participants through a central process designed to unlock deeper reflections and practical skills.
History and Development of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method was developed in the late 1990s as a collaboration between the LEGO Group and business experts Johan Roos and Bart Victor.
The method was originally designed to support executive teams in improving strategic planning and creating adaptive business strategies for improved business performance.
By 2002, the methodology had expanded to education, leadership, and innovation settings.
Today, it is used worldwide in industries ranging from healthcare to technology.
It is recognized for its effectiveness in enhancing communication in meetings, decision-making, and agile transformation strategies.
It’s used by consultants looking for strategic planning tools and experienced facilitators who want more complex techniques to use for people in meetings. It’s also used by Learning & Development leaders who are looking for ways to create an interactive learning journey for their team members.
Core Principles of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method
- Engagement: Every participant contributes equally to foster inclusive collaboration.
- Exploration: Participants build physical models that represent their ideas, fostering deeper exploration.
- Storytelling: Participants use their models to share stories, providing insight into their perspectives.
These principles encourage active participation, reflection, and shared understanding – even during online meetings or within a coaching framework.
The Essential Four-Step Process
Facilitators guide participants through four key steps:
- Posing the Challenge: Present an open-ended question or challenge relevant to the session’s goals.
- Building Models: Participants use LEGO® bricks to create simple and three-dimensional models that represent their ideas.
- Sharing Stories: Each participant explains the meaning behind their model in response to the challenge.
- Reflection and Discussion: The group reflects on the insights gained and identifies key takeaways.
This structured yet flexible process creates a safe environment for expression and collaborative problem-solving, whether in-person or in online meetings.
Must-Have LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Toolkit Components
A comprehensive toolkit for facilitators who have undertaken certification training includes the following:
- LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Starter Kits (LINK TO LEGOSITE): These kits include a wide variety of bricks, including standard pieces, technic-type elements, and unique bricks. All of these are specially selected to represent abstract ideas.
- Special Elements: Transparent pieces, gears, connectors, and mini-figures help participants visualize processes, systems, and relationships. Staff also use them for class activities to generate real engagement with the top
Benefits of using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Methodology in Facilitation
When you see the methodology in action, it confirms just how powerful it is!
- Enhanced Collaboration: Building collective 3D models fosters teamwork and helps participants align their ideas.
- Deeper Problem-Solving Skills: Participants practice innovative processes by iteratively testing multiple solutions.
- Boosted Creativity: Constructing metaphorical models inspires out-of-the-box thinking.
- Engagement for All: The hands-on approach ensures that all participants, regardless of communication style, can contribute.
- Faster Consensus: By visualizing complex ideas, teams reach agreements quickly and efficiently.
6. Playful interactions: This breaks down hierarchical barriers and create an open, trusting atmosphere. By building shared community-based models, teams develop mutual respect and understanding. This enables more effective collaboration during meetings and strategy discussions.
Examples of Successful Implementations
- Tech Startup: Improved cross-department collaboration and accelerated innovation.
- University Program: Used LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to enhance student engagement and revamp curricula. Career planning is also one of its uses.
- Healthcare System: Applied the methodology to identify process improvements and explore the external competitor business landscape.
These real-world examples highlight how the method has to potential to transform learning and business strategy development sessions.
Tips for Effective Facilitation
Your role as a professional facilitator is to create a positive mood in the room so that participants easily enter a sense of flow. This is when their deeper imagination kicks in.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure that all materials, including brick sets, prompts, and timing tools, are ready before the session. The room needs to have space for tables on which to complete the building activities and speak easily.
- Encourage Practice-Based Learning: Incorporate interactive exercises to build participants’ practical skills.
- Balance Guidance and Flexibility: Support participants without leading them toward a predetermined outcome.
- Time Management: Use a structured timeline to keep activities on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get started as a facilitator!
Visit Serious Play Business where we have various certification options for you. We offer Foundational training or an Advanced Training Option.
If you have in-house groups, we are able to deliver training in person. We are without doubt the most affordable option on the market!
What can you charge a client for a session based on this methodology?
There are several factors to consider when quoting. Firstly, which bricks will they need – will they need the larger landscape kit or will the basic bricks be enough? Is there travel involved to the venue? How long is the session and how much preparation is needed?
When you have some answers to these questions, consider your usual charge-out rate and add a premium for this unique and powerful method.
Is formal training necessary to facilitate the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® process?
Formal training ensures facilitators have the additional facilitation skills needed to guide productive sessions. There is also credibility in having a certificate from training provider such as Serious Play Business – after all, we have been doing this for over 18 years!
Build a better Business using this unique method
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method offers an unparalleled approach to fostering creativity, communication, and collaboration.
By equipping yourself with the right toolkit and adopting effective facilitation strategies, you can create transformative experiences for individuals and teams.
Visit Serious Play Business to explore facilitator training and access expert resources. Embark on your training journey and unlock the full potential of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method in your professional practice.
