In today’s fast-paced and complex business environment, collaboration alone isn’t enough. Teams need deeper alignment, better communication, and the ability to surface insights that typical meetings often miss. That’s where LEGO SERIOUS PLAY comes in.

Originally developed by the LEGO® Group in collaboration with business and academic leaders, LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) is a facilitated thinking, communication, and problem-solving method that uses LEGO bricks to unlock new perspectives. It helps teams dig below the surface, make abstract ideas tangible, and create shared understanding faster than traditional methods.

In this post, we’ll explore exactly how LEGO SERIOUS PLAY helps teams solve real business problems, and why forward-thinking leaders are using it to get unstuck, innovate, and grow.

1. It Makes the Invisible Visible

Most business problems like lack of trust, misalignment, or unclear vision are complex, emotional, and difficult to articulate. In an LSP session, team members build their thoughts with LEGO bricks, which helps them express ideas they might not otherwise say out loud.

Through the use of metaphor and storytelling, LSP creates space for deep, honest reflection that goes beyond words and spreadsheets.

2. It Creates Clarity in Complex Situations

Whether you’re launching a new product, navigating a major transition, or redefining your brand, LSP allows teams to visualize systems, challenges, and relationships in a hands-on, collaborative way. Instead of debating opinions, you’re building shared understanding.

LSP is especially effective when:

• Your team is struggling with misalignment

• You’re facing a strategic or creative block

• You need input from diverse roles or departments

The process uncovers patterns and connections that often go unnoticed in traditional brainstorming or meetings.

3. It Levels the Playing Field

In most meetings, the loudest voice wins. In a LEGO SERIOUS PLAY workshop, every participant builds, shares, and contributes equally. This democratization of ideas helps unlock the full potential of your team, especially from those who may not usually speak up.

By encouraging psychological safety and equal participation, LSP helps teams:

• Build mutual respect

• Uncover hidden expertise

• Strengthen communication across roles

This makes the method ideal for cross-functional teams, remote teams, and newly formed groups.

4. It Turns Insights Into Action

A key strength of LEGO SERIOUS PLAY is that it doesn’t stop at insights—it moves toward action. The facilitated process ends with reflection and actionable takeaways that your team can implement right away.

You’ll leave a session with:

• Shared language and visual metaphors

• Clear goals and alignment

• New energy and momentum

Real Examples of Problems Solved with LSP

Here are just a few business challenges teams have solved through LEGO SERIOUS PLAY:

• Clarifying brand values and market positioning

• Navigating internal conflict after a reorg

• Designing a more inclusive onboarding experience

• Identifying and breaking down communication silos

• Unblocking a stalled innovation process

• Defining success metrics for a cross-functional project

The method is customizable. Whether you need a 1-hour spark session or a two full-day strategic deep dive.

Is It Right for Your Team?

If your team needs to work through a messy challenge, realign around a shared goal, or unlock new ideas, LEGO SERIOUS PLAY could be the tool that gets you there.

At Playformative, we specialize in designing story-driven, strategy-focused workshops that turn confusion into clarity. We work with businesses in Minnesota and beyond to create unforgettable experiences that lead to measurable results.

Ready to solve real problems with real engagement?

Let’s talk. Book a discovery call or explore our workshops page to learn more about our upcoming sessions.