We took a break from the usual lectures and slideshows and dove into the world of LEGO Serious Play (LSP). This wasn't just learning; as one attendee put it, it was about having "hard fun."
We know that great leaders need more than just theory; they need conviction. That's why we used LSP. As a reminder, this methodology was initially designed for executives to unlock creativity and problem-solving they can’t always put into words.
The focus for our session was leadership confidence. Using LEGOs, participants built models and uncovered "emerging insights in what leadership 'looks' like."
Why does this "thinking and tinkering" work? It offers a "low threshold and high ceiling" medium that forces you to bring abstract concepts to life. This allowed our attendees to get a "totally fresh look" at themselves as leaders and team members.
"I’ve always been curious about the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology in problem-solving, and here I am, learning all about it (through a leadership lens) and building models in an immersive learning environment alongside an incredible community of TD professionals at ATD Orange County!!"
LSP ensures 100% participation and forces you to move beyond abstract thoughts. Instead of talking about leadership, participants responded to a faciitator challenge by building tangible, 3D models representing their challenges, barriers, and ideal leadership styles. As one attendee shared, the process takes you into a "deeper mode of thinking: of who you are as a leader, what prevents you from exceeding, and how to navigate barriers beyond your control."
Beyond the deep insights and the "hard fun" of collaborative problem-solving, our community connects and shares wisdom. We even learned a new leadership mantra—Lead like a pineapple!—and found ways to apply this mantra to various leadership strengths.
Sweet on the inside (empathetic). Strong on the outside (resilient). Standing tall wearing the crown (confident and visionary).
Beyond the deep focus on leadership, the session was a vibrant space for our professional development community to connect.
We had the pleasure of reconnecting colleagues from past cohorts and forming new bonds. As one happy participant shared: "Connecting and getting new perspectives, is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday!"
Keep connected with ATD-Orange County to find out our next interactive, engaging workshop that challenges us to think deeper about our role in the talent development field.
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