The Power of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® for Team Building  

Are you looking for a corporate team building event with a difference? Or seeking ways to create a unique experience for teams?  

Are you considering how you could develop a cooperative team spirit? Or improve communication between teams who are working on different projects? 

One unique and effective way to enhance team dynamics and improved communication is through using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method for team building activities. 

LEGO®, the iconic Danish toy brand, has been helping people of all ages improve their communication skills through hands-on play – and through a unique method called LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP). 

Importance of Team Building in the Workplace 

In the modern workplace, there are several key ingredients that make up a high-performance team. 

Naturally, communication skills are paramount for fostering a productive and harmonious environment. Effective communication enables team members to share ideas, provide feedback, and collaborate on projects, ultimately driving the organization toward its goals.  

When teams possess strong communication skills, they can articulate their thoughts clearly, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and conflicts.  

This clarity not only enhances individual performance but also strengthens team dynamics, allowing for a more cohesive work environment. 

You also need collaboration skills to ensure that there is trust and respect among team members. You want people to voice their opinions and contribute to discussions. 

Without effective collaboration, there is confusion, low morale, and increased turnover rates. This in turn can severely impact organizational culture and productivity. 

Additionally, in an era where remote work and virtual communication have become the norm, the need for further skills such as active listening techniques has never been more critical.  

Teams are often spread across different locations and time zones, making it essential to convey messages clearly through various platforms, such as emails, video calls, and instant messaging.  

The ability to adapt communication styles to suit different mediums and audiences is a vital skill that can significantly impact project outcomes and team collaboration. 

Why is the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method a way to improve team skills? 

The power of using LEGO® bricks as a communication tool and as an approach to team building lies in their universality and versatility.  

They provide a common language that transcends age, language barriers, and job titles. They allow individuals to express themselves freely and creatively.  

With the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method, communication becomes a tangible process, as participants physically construct their ideas and share them with others. It’s also a way to boost innovative thinking and to improve problem-solving skills. 

When the method is used in a team building workshop, you notice how the group begins to tap into strategic thinking, listening skills and abstract thinking skills.  

Get ready to build bridges, both metaphorical and literal, with LEGO® bricks. 

Benefits of using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method for Team Building Activities  

LSP offers a unique approach to enhancing communication skills among participants.  

One of the primary benefits of using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method as a tool for team building is that it encourages open dialogue.  

As team members engage in building challenges, they are required to tell their stories of their own individual brick-built models.  

This fosters an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions, ultimately leading to improved communication between team members. 

Another advantage of using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is its ability to break down hierarchical barriers within a team.  

When individuals come together through these alternative team building activities based on LSP, the focus shifts from titles and roles to creativity and teamwork.  

This leveling effect allows participants to engage with one another more freely, resulting in a more inclusive atmosphere where everyone’s voice is valued.  

Such an environment promotes active listening and encourages team members to consider different perspectives, leading to stronger communication skills. 

Furthermore, LEGO® activities promote problem-solving and critical thinking, both of which are integral aspects of team building.  

As teams follow the process, they analyze problems, brainstorm solutions, and articulate their strategies.  

This hands-on approach not only reinforces the importance of collaboration but also cultivates the ability to communicate complex ideas in a straightforward manner.  

LSP is also a way of building team strength. By using these LEGO® building materials to express individual points of view, the team is fully inclusive. It’s 100% of the people participating 100% of the time! 

It’s a way of fulfilling a key aim of team building which is to never exclude anyone. Besides it being an enjoyable team experience, it is a serious way of encouraging every team member to put forward their ideas and their thinking. 

There are no building instructions as part of LSP. There in fact no complex instructions. 

Each team member builds their response to a challenge question – and there is no right or wrong.  

Case Studies: How LEGO® Team Building Activities Have Improved Communication Skills in Companies 

Several organizations have successfully implemented LEGO® team building activities to enhance communication skills among their employees.  

For instance, a leading tech company recognized that communication issues were affecting project timelines and team morale.  

By organizing a series of workshops using LSP as a basis, they created opportunities for employees to articulate their ideas and actively listening to others. 

This resulted in a marked improvement in communication across departments and helped teams to solidify their project vision. 

In the education sector, a university sought to improve collaboration among faculty members who were working on interdisciplinary research projects.  

They implemented the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method to encourage creative thinking and open communication.  

Faculty members reported that the process helped break down silos and fostered a culture of collaboration.  

As a result, the university saw an increase in successful joint research initiatives, demonstrating the positive impact of LSP on communication skills and teamwork. 

How to Plan and Organize LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Team Building Activities 

Organizing a session based on LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® requires careful planning to ensure that the experience is engaging and effective.  

• First and foremost, it is essential to define the objectives of the session or corporate team building workshop.  

Are you looking to enhance communication skills, foster creativity, or improve problem-solving abilities?  

Clear objectives will guide the selection of appropriate challenge questions that align with your goals. Involving team members in the planning process can also help identify specific areas of communication that need improvement. 

• Next, consider the logistics of the event. Determine the ideal location, whether it be on-site at your workplace or off-site in a more relaxed setting.  

Ensure that there is enough space for participants to work in teams and build their creations without feeling cramped.  

Each person needs a flat surface on which to build – that seems simple but remember you cannot use an auditorium for the building process unless there are desks there. 

• Additionally, gather the necessary LEGO® sets and materials that will be used during the activity. Having a diverse range of bricks and accessories can inspire creativity and encourage collaboration among participants. 

You can also order brick sets directly from the LEGO® online store.

• Finally, establish a timeline for the event, including breaks. Allow time during the team building session for everyone to build their own models and to tell their stories. 

After the event, it is crucial to follow up with participants to gather feedback and assess the impact of the activities on their communication and team skills.  

This reflection helps solidify the learning experience and can inform future team building initiatives. 

Tips for Effective LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Team Building Activities 

To maximize the effectiveness of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method for team building, consider implementing several best practices.  

• One important tip is to create a safe and supportive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas.  

Encourage openness by emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers in the creative process. This reassurance allows individuals to express themselves freely without the fear of judgment, fostering more effective communication. 

• Additionally, consider incorporating reflection time into the activities. After each building challenge, allocate time for teams to discuss their experiences. 

By encouraging ongoing dialogue and self-assessment, you can enhance the overall impact of the LSP team building experience. 

NOTE: The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® process is suited to virtual team building activities via Microsoft Teams, Zoom and similar platforms. 

The Role of Facilitators in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Team Building Activities 

Professional facilitators play a crucial role in the success of an LSP session. 

They are responsible for guiding participants through the exercises, ensuring that the objectives are met, and creating a positive and engaging atmosphere.  

An experienced facilitator should possess strong communication skills themselves, as they need to articulate instructions clearly and encourage open dialogue among participants. 

Additionally, professional facilitators should be adept at observing group dynamics and identifying areas where communication may be breaking down. they make mental notes of areas where things could be improved and also note the body language of the team members. 

This helps them to identify who is truly engaged and who has not participated actively in the conversations. 

The Lasting Impact of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® on Communication Skills 

In conclusion, the power of LSP team building activities in enhancing communication skills and engaging teams cannot be overstated.  

The process provides a unique platform for participants to engage in exercises that promote open dialogue, creativity, and problem-solving.  

By breaking down barriers and fostering a supportive environment, the process empowers individuals to express themselves more effectively and work together as cohesive teams. 

The success stories of various companies demonstrate that the positive impact of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® team building extends beyond the immediate activity.  

Organizations that invest in enhancing communication skills through LSP workshops often experience lasting improvements in team dynamics, collaboration, and overall performance.  

As workplaces continue to evolve, the need for strongly engaged teams will remain a critical factor in achieving success. 

Ultimately, incorporating LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® team building activities into your organization can be a transformative experience.  

The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method offers a fun and engaging way to build bridges, both metaphorical and literal. Embrace the power of bricks and watch as communication and all-round team skills flourishes within your team.