Live sessions and workshops are vital for fostering communication, learning, and collaboration in the workplace. But how often do these sessions genuinely include all voices in the room? More importantly, how can we create environments where participants feel empowered to share openly, listen actively, and build meaningful connections?
Enter LEGO® Serious Play®, a facilitation method that uses LEGO bricks as tools for communication, creativity, and problem-solving. As playful as it may sound, this methodology is a structured approach that helps participants build with their hands, in a safe space where every voice is given the same weight. This is the reason why I chose this facilitation method for team building, visioning, strategy sessions and yes, workshops that are realted with the topics of belonging, diversity and inclusion and workplace culture.
What is LEGO® Serious Play®?
LEGO® Serious Play® is a method grounded in the belief that everyone’s voice matters and that when all participants contribute, the collective outcome is richer, more diverse, and more innovative. Using LEGO bricks as a shared language, participants can express complex ideas and perspectives through tangible models. The facilitator guides participants through stages of building, storytelling, and reflection, creating an engaging experience where everyone can connect to the topic at hand.
Creating a level playing field with 100% participation
One of the key barriers to inclusivity in live sessions is the power dynamics that exist in any group. People may feel intimidated, out of place, or hesitant to speak up if they believe their perspectives are less valued. LSP helps to break down these barriers by giving everyone the same set of tools – LEGO bricks – and encouraging them to build their responses.
In an LEGO® Serious Play® workshop, everyone participates. Managers are not allowed to observe. If they are in the room, they have to get their hands on the LEGO® bricks and build.
In LSP, there is no ‘wrong’ way to build, and participants are reminded that their model is a representation of their unique perspective. This removes the pressure of giving the “right” answer and instead values creativity, honesty, and vulnerability. By leveling the playing field, LSP makes it easier for people to share ideas and take part in the conversation.
Hands-on, minds-on approach appeals to neurodiverse participants
Communication often relies heavily on words, which can sometimes be limiting. Not everyone feels comfortable speaking in front of a group, and language differences, neurodiversity, or simply shyness can affect how people engage in live sessions.
The beauty of LEGO® Serious Play® is that it encourages visual thinking and hands-on building as a form of communication. By using LEGO models to express thoughts and ideas, participants can share their perspectives in ways that go beyond verbal expression. This opens up the space for those who may be less inclined to share verbally to express their thoughts in a way that feels natural and meaningful to them.
There is time for reflection and stories
Unlike many rapid-fire brainstorming sessions, LSP places great emphasis on reflection and storytelling. Each participant builds a model based on a prompt, takes time to reflect on its meaning, and then shares their story with the group. This approach ensures that every voice is heard and that all perspectives are shared thoughtfully.
This format contrasts with traditional discussions where dominant voices may steer the conversation or participants feel pressured to respond quickly. Instead, LSP provides time for each person to build, think, and articulate their thoughts, fostering a slower, more mindful pace that respects each person’s contribution.
Bricks transcend age and cultural background
LEGO bricks are a universal tool, transcending age, culture, etc. They allow participants to connect through shared play, which is a powerful equalizer. When we build together, the focus shifts from individual differences to collective meaning-making. Participants are not just discussing abstract ideas; they are actively collaborating to explore and understand each other’s perspectives.
During the storytelling phase, participants share the narratives behind their LEGO models, and others listen without interrupting. This deep listening helps to build empathy and understanding, as each person becomes a part of a shared story. These moments of storytelling create bonds within the group and allow differences to be celebrated rather than overlooked.
A safe and brave place for exploration
Creating a ‘brave space’ – a setting where participants can explore sensitive topics with openness and courage – is central to LSP. The tangible nature of building with bricks makes it easier to explore complex or emotionally charged topics, as the focus shifts from discussing difficult concepts directly to discussing the model. Participants find it easier to approach delicate subjects when they can use metaphors and symbols built with LEGO bricks to express their feelings and experiences.
For example, in a session about identity, participants might build models that represent aspects of their personal or professional identity, allowing for deeper exploration without feeling directly confronted. These models create safe entry points into the conversation, helping participants to explore topics they may find difficult to articulate otherwise.
In other words
LEGO® Serious Play® creates an environment that makes live sessions more inclusive by bridging differences, leveling the playing field, and allowing for diverse ways of expressing ideas. It empowers participants to build and share their unique perspectives, fostering a culture of inclusion where everyone is invited to contribute.
Using LEGO bricks as a communication tool encourages creativity, reflection, and storytelling, ensuring that live sessions go beyond words and dive into the visual, the tangible, and the shared. So, the next time you’re planning a workshop or a team meeting, consider using LEGO® Serious Play® – you might just find that the brick-by-brick approach is the missing piece to fostering a truly inclusive environment. Contact us if you need a certified facilitator to run your workshop.
What can you do differently tomorrow?
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Try visual facilitation: Next time you’re facilitating a session, use tangible tools like LEGO® bricks or other visual aids to help participants express their thoughts creatively.
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Encourage turn-taking: Make sure each participant has time to share their perspectives, with no interruptions, to ensure that all voices are heard.
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Set ground rules for a ‘brave space’: Create an environment where participants feel safe to share openly and explore complex topics together.
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Explore metaphors in communication: Use metaphors in your workshops to help participants express abstract or difficult ideas more comfortably.
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Celebrate stories: Encourage storytelling as a key part of your live sessions to foster connection and understanding.
References
- Kristiansen, P., & Rasmussen, R. (2014). Building a better business using the Lego serious play method. John Wiley & Sons.
- McCusker, S. (2020). Everybody’s monkey is important: LEGO® Serious Play® as a methodology for enabling equality of voice within diverse groups. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 43(2), 146-162.
- Roos, J., & Victor, B. (2018). How it all began: the origins of LEGO® Serious Play®. International Journal of Management and Applied Research, 5(4), 326-343
