Building a Better Business Using the Lego Serious Play Method

Building a Better Business Using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method delivers a creative approach to enhancing innovation and improving business performance, with the focus on unleashing play. Written by the two original Master Trainers for LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP), the book outlines how LSP can develop teams, people, relationships and business . Based on the merging of play with organizational development, systems thinking and strategy development, LSP can foster improved meetings, faster innovation processes, team growth, and better communication.

The belief that everyone intends to "do good" and has the potential to do it is at the heart of LSP. The method nurtures the idea that everyone in an organization can contribute to discussions and outcomes. Building with LEGO bricks is a type of creative play that triggers a different kind of thought process, unleashing imagination and potential that is frequently untapped by the logical mind. The book explains this hands-on, minds-on approach, and discusses the theory as well as the practical implementation of LSP. Topics include:

• Observation of internal and external interaction dynamics
• Fostering a free and honest exchange of opinions
• Suspending hierarchy for better, more effective communication
• Facilitating change by encouraging exploration

The LEGO SERIOUS PLAY method is employed by start-ups and multinational corporations alike to maximize synergy among teams and throughout organizations. For leaders looking to boost effectiveness and see better results, Building a Better Business Using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method is a comprehensive introduction to this creative management technique.

Per Kristiansen is owner and partner at Trivium. Previously, Per was the global head for the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY business unit in LEGO. He is a master trainer of the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY methodology, and also serves on the board of Bonding, a global training company.

Robert Rasmussen is co-principal for Rasmussen Consulting in the United States and in Denmark and is on the advisory board for Rasmussen Consulting in Japan and Singapore. Robert is the main architect and a master trainer of the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY methodology.

Preface v

Introduction—The Journey! 1

PART I The LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Territory

1 The Need for Building Better Businesses 13

2 The LEGO Brick 25

3 Defining Serious Play 37

4 The LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Method 47

5 Contemplating the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Territory 65

PART II LEGO SERIOUS PLAY: The Science Platform

6 Building Knowledge—Giving Your Mind a Hand 77

7 Neuroscience—Understanding the Builder's Mind 95

8 Flow—The Joy of Effective Learning 109

9 Imagination—Seeing What Is Not 117

10 Play Is about Process 129

PART III LEGO SERIOUS PLAY at Work

11 LEGO SERIOUS PLAY at Work in Business 145

12 LEGO SERIOUS PLAY at Work in the LEGO Company 185

13 LEGO SERIOUS PLAY at Work outside Business 195

14 Contemplating LEGO SERIOUS PLAY at Work 205

15 Pushing the Boundaries with LEGO SERIOUS PLAY 211

Notes 221

About the Authors 225

Index 227

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.