Since each person sees the world through their own lens, it is easy to encounter situations where different opinions lead to communication problems within the company. These misunderstandings are counterproductive as they inevitably impact business processes, operations, and decisions.
If communication were tangible and visible, misunderstandings would not exist — everything would be simpler and clearer. As human beings, we need practicality and concreteness. This same concept has been applied since 2002 with the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology, which allows the collection of different perspectives and engages adults in a process that includes play — but in this case, it is a “serious game.”
In recent years, the world of business facilitation has evolved, embracing new methodologies that, when applied correctly within organizations, help employees navigate their environment more effectively and support managers in optimizing processes.
How the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology was born
Starting in 1995, LEGO® began to experience market losses due to the rise of new forms of entertainment such as video games. The company therefore needed new strategies to relaunch the brand. Thanks to two Swiss professors, Johan Roos and Bart Victor, a new way of playing, thinking and creating solutions was developed using LEGO® bricks. But it was Robert Rasmussen, then head of the LEGO® Educational Division, who transformed the idea into an educational methodology that helps business leaders find effective solutions to challenges and projects.
In 2002, the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® business facilitation methodology was officially born, allowing managers to think differently about business solutions. From that point on, LEGO® bricks were no longer just toys for children — they became powerful tools for developing corporate strategies.
In 2012, Dr. Giorgio Beltrami, author of the book “LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®: Thinking with Your Hands” (see our recommended readings), together with Per Kristiansen, Chairman of the Advisory Board for LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and Partner of the LEGO® Foundation, brought to Italy the first certification courses for facilitators based on the principles of the Association of Master Trainers founded by Kristiansen and Robert Rasmussen.
Fun Facts
- The word LEGO® comes from the Danish words “LEG” (play) and “GODT” (well).
- The first international trainers of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitators were Robert Rasmussen and Per Kristiansen.
- Rasmussen and Kristiansen founded the Association of Master Trainers in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®.
- Until 2010, LEGO® Group managed the certification process before liberalizing the use of the methodology and materials.
- In 2021, TIME named LEGO® Group among the “100 Most Influential Companies” for promoting creativity in the Innovation category. During COVID-19, LEGO® launched the “Rebuild the World” campaign to inspire creativity in children and parents.
Benefits of a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is a highly effective facilitation methodology because it actively involves every participant. Its strength lies in the depth of insights that emerge on key business themes such as strategy development, communication planning, and team identity.
It often helps participants surface ideas and reflections that were previously unclear or unexpressed. What makes LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® unique is its ability to make the intangible tangible — transforming ideas, thoughts, and concepts into physical form to explore and understand challenges from new perspectives.
Participants build a Shared Model or Landscape representing the company context — including relevant information, dynamics, and flows — to guide team action planning. The resulting landscape becomes a visual map for understanding and navigating the organizational environment.
Using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to align teams with business projects helps unleash the full potential of participants in a spontaneous, instinctive, and collaborative way, giving everyone time and space to contribute their ideas.
How LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can be used in your company
- To create a clear and shared action plan aligned with business goals.
- To make decisions accepted and shared by all participants.
- To develop and define new business strategies.
- To navigate generational change processes.
- To define or strengthen a team’s identity.
- To align the team towards a common vision of growth and collaboration.
Our LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshops
At Quantasia SA in Lugano, Ticino, we are a “boutique” company specializing in Coaching, Training, and Business Facilitation. We define ourselves as “boutique” because our disciplines focus on the human being and their evolution.
In our training programs, we focus on Soft Skills development and leadership growth. In coaching, we work on cognitive empowerment and Neuro-Emotional competence to help clients achieve excellence in their personal and professional lives. In facilitation, we use methodologies such as LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to engage participants actively and build strategies grounded in real organizational dynamics.
In 2019, we conducted a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop at ISG Economy & Business University in Lisbon, Portugal, with 16 Directors from the Ensinus Group. The workshop was an enlightening experience — read more about it here: LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Change Management.
With Jetpharma SA in Balerna and other companies across Ticino, we use LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to support learning, collaboration, and value alignment processes. By integrating LEGO® methodologies into our training and facilitation programs, we enhance communication, cohesion, and team building.
If you would like to learn more, contact us to request our company brochure or schedule a non-binding meeting — we’ll be happy to present our corporate facilitation services.
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