LEGO® Serious Play®. How To Solve Your Business Challenges Playfully

www.plays-in-business.com

LEGO® Serious Play®

How To Solve Your Business Challenges Playfully

Michael TarnowskiPlays-In-Business.com

Picture Credit: Leonora Giovanazzi https://www.flickr.com/photos/lyonora/1413224950


What is LEGO® Serious Play®?

LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) is a structured and facilitated workshop method for strategic decision making and problem resolution in business environments.Picture Credit: Bill Ward, https://www.flickr.com/photos/billward/3640805316


LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP): Is a structured, facilitated method.

Answers questions rephrasing the business topics. The models built and their stories shared by the builders are the answers.

Is a playful and still serious way to create new insights and to develop innovative ideas;

Picture Credit: desbiens_jean, https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeandesbiens/6079961911

What does LEGO® Serious Play®? 1/2


What does LEGO® Serious Play®? 2/2

LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP): Is a secure and safe place to image and explore ideas by building models with

LEGO® bricks;

Creates a shared understanding about the problem space in question;

Investigates complex and dynamic dependencies and emergences;Picture Credit: desbiens_jean, https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeandesbiens/6079961911


LEGO® Serious Play® Engages People

“Lean Forward” Meetings: all participants engage equally.

“Lean Backward” Meetings: only a few participants are engage.Picture Credit: Zach Graves, https://www.flickr.com/photos/basictheory/849025205 Picture Credit: http://www.mathewbirch.com

vs.


Who should use LSP ? 1/4

Everyone who… …is faced a complex problem and does not know how to handle it. …wants to engage all resources available in her organisation. …wants to turn visions into commitments.Picture Credit: Graham Richardson, https://www.flickr.com/photos/didbygraham/8420446592/



Everyone who… …wants to design actions. …develops leadership and teams. …does 1:1 coachingPicture Credit: Graham Richardson, https://www.flickr.com/photos/didbygraham/8420446592/



Everyone who… …looks for a solution to a shared problem. …has to create a shared mind-set about something. …builds a shared vision.Picture Credit: Graham Richardson, https://www.flickr.com/photos/didbygraham/8420446592/



Everyone who… …wants constructive discussions where everybody is heard. …has to create a shared mind-set about something. …wants constructive discussions where everybody is heard.Picture Credit: Graham Richardson, https://www.flickr.com/photos/didbygraham/8420446592/


1. ChallengingThe facilitator sets a challenge to the group. This challenge depends entirely on the issues and topics the workshop shall address.

2. ConstructingYou answer the challenge by building a model with LEGO® bricks. Make sense of what you know, imagine, and build with your own 3D model in response to the challenge given.

How LEGO® Serious Play® works

Picture Credit: Martin Alvarez Espinar, https://www.flickr.com/photos/martinalvarez/14641980635


3. Story TellingShare your story covering the meaning of the model, i.e. explain your thoughts, associations, emotions and feelings coming to your mind when constructing.

4. ReflectingCrystallise key insights that are uncovered; ask clarification questions to the models. Sum up surprises and connections.

How LEGO® Serious Play® works

Picture Credit: Martin Alvarez Espinar, https://www.flickr.com/photos/martinalvarez/14641980635


In 3D We understand the World Easier

Benefit of 3D models: they address all our senses – we can interact with them – change them physically, touch them, taste them, and smell them.

(Model Plans for the Shanghai Expo 2010)

Picture Credit: i a walsh, https://www.flickr.com/photos/ivanwalsh/3780451836 Picture Credit: i a walsh, https://www.flickr.com/photos/ivanwalsh/3779640773

2D model

3D model


Thinking with Your Hands

Play with the bricks! – Stimulate your brain by using your hands unconsciously.

Think with hands – Play with the bricks, fiddle around, and be baffled by the result.Picture Credit: kreezzalee, https://www.flickr.com/photos/repoort/2579139642


Constructing Models

Construct models to answers challenges.Picture Credit: http://www.mathewbirch.com


Models are Metaphors – Give Them Meaning!

Management leads me

Shares & Gains rewards

Near competitors

endanger me

Controlling watches me

Product Development

brings me money

Business Development improves me

Management collaborates with

our floor shopRitualssupports me

Picture Credit: http://www.mathewbirch.com

Construct models to answers challenges.

Skills & Technology are my pride

Vision & Strategy drive me


Performing a LSP Workshop

Run a LSP workshop in groups of max. 12 participants per facilitator.The facilitator sets the challenge and timelines, and guides the process.

Scale it if needed: 10 facilitators/10 tables, 20 facilitators/20 tables…Picture Credit: markorillo, https://www.flickr.com/photos/markorillo/4587599434/


Facilitator: sets the challenge and timelines, and guides the process.Picture Credit: Tinker*Tailor loves Lalka, https://www.flickr.com/photos/tinker-tailor/4284883477

Roles in LEGO® Serious Play® Workshop

You – Group/Participants: solve the challenge raised by building models & sharing their meaningPicture Credit: Bill Toenjes, https://www.flickr.com/photos/toomuchdew/6008136303


1. Focus on the Story – Not on the BricksBricks create stories.

2. Understand the Metaphors used in StoriesMetaphors provide richer descriptions of the reality, and open a wider look for new possibilities.

3. Explore, Prepare – Don`t ImplementGather intentionally to apply your imagination. Explore possible and plausible possibilities. Generate options and develop new understandings together.

4. The Knowledge is already in the RoomLSP unlocks hidden and constructs new knowledge. LSP fosters the understanding of the system modelled. LSP sharpens the view for connecting purposes between organisation and individual.

The Philosophy Behind LSP

Picture Credit: Jeremy Keith , https://www.flickr.com/photos/adactio/377537734


While playing participants think outside the box creatively without stress.

Participants construct the models in a flow of intense playing.

The models “emerge” out of the bricks at hand without any long-term rational pre-design.

Playing with and challenging the model constructs new knowledge through self-reflection.

Why LSP works 1/2

Picture Credit: Sonny Abesamis, https://www.flickr.com/photos/enerva/11057276504


As metaphors the models opens a wide door of interpretation and fantasy.

LSP engages communication: participants explain the metaphors of all the model’s meanings.

Building with the hands creates strong involvement and commitment. “Hands-on”, “Minds-on” building.

Why LSP works 2/2

Picture Credit: Wolfgang Lonien, https://www.flickr.com/photos/wjlonien/11027445953


Workshop Principles 1/5

The facilitator sets the challenge and timelines, and guides the process. The model is your answer to the challenge. There is no right or wrong answer in building with the bricks.Picture Credit: Bill Ward, https://www.flickr.com/photos/billward/3639993243



“Stealing ideas” from the other participants is allowed. Playing with the brick unlocks and constructs new knowledge. Everyone builds and everyone tells.Picture Credit: Bill Ward, https://www.flickr.com/photos/billward/3639993243



Don’t have a workshop with your self about what to build – trust the process: Think with your hands!

Don’t assume, ASK yourself! Build systems, play scenarios, envision strategies – get commitments

and actions.Picture Credit: Bill Ward, https://www.flickr.com/photos/billward/3639993243



The builder owns the model and its story.

Accept the builder’s meaning and story in the model.

Question the model and its story – not the person.Picture Credit: Bill Ward, https://www.flickr.com/photos/billward/3639993243



Take Responsibility for your own and the learning of the others.

Finally: Have FUN!Picture Credit: Bill Ward, https://www.flickr.com/photos/billward/3639993243


The Method: The 4-step Core Process

These 4 procedures are fundamental to all LSP applications:

1. Challenge

2. Construction

3. Sharing

4. ReflectionPicture Credit: Martin Alvarez Espinar, https://www.flickr.com/photos/martinalvarez/14455374939


The Method: The 4-step Core Process

These 4 procedures are fundamental to all LSP applications.

Picture Credit: Julien GONG Min , https://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/3634061465

1. Challenge 2. Construction 3. Sharing 4. Reflection


The Method: 1. Challenge

In step 1 the facilitator pose a challenge. This challenge depends entirely on the issues and topics the workshop shall address.

There is no standardised question set in LSP.

This question will determine the content of steps 2, and 3.

The results of steps 2 and 3 will serve as answer to the challenge raised.Picture Credit: Jaap den Dulk , https://www.flickr.com/photos/11527081@N05/2940863843


The Method: 2. Construction

In step 2 the workshop participants image and build their models.

At this step very often a coarse story line of the story to be shared emerges.Picture Credit: ben dalton , https://www.flickr.com/photos/noii/1362859802


The Method: 3. Sharing

In step 3 every participant shares the interpretation of her model – why the model is a valid answer to the challenge.

This shared communication in the group ensures that all participants will be able to realise that a variety of total different models can be valid answers.And they will better understand the thinking and rational of each builder behind a model.Picture Credit: Bill Ward, https://www.flickr.com/photos/billward/3640805084


The Method: 4. Reflection

Step 4 – Reflection – can be done in two ways:

After the builder had told his story the group and the facilitator ask questions to the model explained: asking for more details on the meaning of parts of the model.The builder provides the information wanted.

After all models are explained the group summarise each model in one single sentence; e.g.: “What me most impressed on model X.”

You can combine both.Picture Credit: Bill Ward, https://www.flickr.com/photos/billward/3640804904


The Method: Application Techniques

1. Building Individual Models and Stories

2. Building Shared Models and Stories

3. Creating a Landscape

4. Making Connections

5. Building a System

6. Playing Emergence and Decisions

7. Extracting Simple Guiding Principles

The AT 1-AT 7 are concrete applications resp. realisations of the 4-step core process.

AT 1-AT 7 is not a linear sequence. However a LSP workshop always starts from AT 1 you can jump to the other techniques by your decision. Which techniques and in which order will be applied depends on the workshop topics and purpose.

Picture Credit: Plays-in-Business, customer-centric LEGO® Serious Play® Workshop


The Method: AT 1: Building Individual Models and Stories

The goal of AT 1 is to share individual and personal knowledge with the group.

In AT 1 each builder images and constructs an individual model for her one to answer the question raised by the facilitator.

After building the builders shares their stories.Picture Credit: Bill Ward , https://www.flickr.com/photos/billward/3640804476


The Method: AT 2: Building Shared Models and Stories

The goal of AT 2 is to create a shared understanding and consensus of certain topics.

The group consolidates all individual models in a common model agreed by all.

For this the participants integrate either (1) parts of the individual models, or (2) complete individual models.

After integration the participants could extend the shared model with further bricks.Picture Credit: Plays-in-Business, customer-centric LEGO® Serious Play® Workshop


The Method: AT 3: Creating a Landscape

The goal of AT 3 is to analyse collections of individual models.

Participants analyse / categorise the collection of all individual models to see differences or common patterns.

Within this inspections no original details or meanings are lost.Picture Credit: Plays-in-Business, customer-centric LEGO® Serious Play® Workshop


The Method: AT 4: Making Connections

The goal of AT 4 is to identify relationships between the meanings of two constructed models:

• Interfaces / breakpoints between parts of a (shared) model

• Relationships / dependencies between different (individual) models.

Connections are constructed by building physical links in using a chain, a tube, a string, or a hose.

Connections can be strong, weak, or flexible.Picture Credit: http:// istockphoto.com


The Method: AT 5: Building a System

A system of models emerges when multiple models are connect in a way that cascaded effects occur.

AT 5 “Building a System” is an extension of AT 4 “Making Connections”.Picture Credit: Plays-in-Business, customer-centric LEGO® Serious Play® Workshop


The Method: AT 6: Playing Emergence and Decisions

The goal of AT 6 is to simulate the consequences of decisions by playing scenarios.

In AT 6 participants explore how the models or the landscape responds to dynamic changes / event

E.g. “What would happen, if a weak connection is changed to a strong one?”; “what would happen, if certain parts (of a model) are move far away, or near together?”Picture Credit: Plays-in-Business, customer-centric LEGO® Serious Play® Workshop


The Method: AT 7: Extracting Simple Guiding Principles

The goal of AT 7 is to support strategic decision making in the real world.

In AT 7 the participants develop high-level guidelines to implement in the real world actions / decisions derived from the models built.To transfer lessons learned in the LSP workshop, drill down these guidelines to most achievable, realistic actions as much as possible.

AT 7 is a consequence of AT 6.Picture Credit: Les Chatfield, https://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/8326905483


How can I use LEGO® Serious Play®?

Picture Credit: David Pickett, https://www.flickr.com/photos/fallentomato/15243811625/

LEGO® Serious Play® is open source.

However, for best results, hire a trained LSP facilitator – like me

mailto:[email protected]?subject=LSP%20consultancy


Give LEGO® Serious Play® a Chance!

Solve with LEGO® Serious Play® your REAL problems:

Engagingly • Playfully • Constructively • Appreciatively • Innovatively

Picture Credit: Ellen Forsyth, https://www.flickr.com/photos/ellf/7094498773


Are you facing a complex problem and don’t know what to do next?

Michael Tarnowski, Certified LEGO Serious Play FacilitatorPlays-In-Business.com

Picture Credit: Ellen Forsyth, https://www.flickr.com/photos/ellf/7094498773

1 click to get in touch with me!




References

Picture Credit: Julien GONG Min, https://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/3634884928/

Books / Websites

1. Per Kristiansen, Robert Rasmussen: Building a Better Business Using the Lego Serious Play Method. John Wiley & Sons, 2014.

2. LinkedIn groups:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/LEGO-SERIOUS-PLAY-visit-wwwlegoseriousplaycom-39243

https://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4398137

3. Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/6463330677/

4. Websites:

• http://www.seriousplay.com

• http://seriousplaypro.com

Short version of this presentation:LEGO Serious Play For Managershttp://bit.ly/pibLSP4Managers





https://www.facebook.com/groups/6463330677/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/6463330677/

http://www.seriousplay.com/

http://www.seriousplay.com/

http://seriousplaypro.com/

http://seriousplaypro.com/

http://bit.ly/pibLSP4Managers


Questions? – Comments? – Interested in LEGO Serious Play workshops, and Consultancy?

Twitter: @M_Tarnowski, @PlaysInBusinessFacebook: http://bit.ly/PiB-FBLinkedIn: http://bit.ly/MT-LinkdInXing: http://bit.ly/MT-XingSlideShare: http://bit.ly/MT-SShare

Or call me: +49-172-6915261 • +49-611-2056820(cell phone/mobile) (regular phone)

Drop me a note:[email protected]

This document may be further distributed free-of-charge in its original, complete form only. Please credit Plays-in-Business.com.All images used are – if not stated otherwise – taken from flickr.com under Common Creative License.


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Leadership & Management

LEGO® Serious Play®. How To Solve Your Business Challenges Playfully