In today’s super-fast-paced world, creativity and innovation are essential for both personal and professional success – but traditional problem-solving methods often limit the potential for fresh ideas by trapping people in the same, rigid thought patterns.
While it may be unexpected, there’s a highly effective solution for breaking free from these constraints and it’s called “play” – specifically, with LEGO® bricks. While most of us associate these colorful plastic blocks with childhood, they actually are powerful tools for stimulating innovation in the adult world. But how exactly does LEGO® unlock creativity, and why is play such an effective method?
Play isn’t just for children – it a critical aspect of adult cognitive development as well. Neuroscientific studies show that play activates multiple areas of the brain, including those responsible for creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Engaging in play shifts the brain away from rigid, analytical thought processes and into a more fluid, imaginative mindset. This results in greater experimentation, spontaneity, and innovation.
LEGO® bricks offer a particularly effective medium for this type of hands-on, creative engagement. The tactile experience of building with LEGO® bricks forces the brain to think spatially, work within constraints, and make abstract connections. This process encourages lateral thinking, where new ideas arise from exploring unconventional pathways, making LEGO® a perfect tool for innovation.
One primary strengths of working with LEGO® is its ability to turn abstract ideas into tangible objects. Whether building a physical model, mapping out a service line, or visualizing a workflow, the act of construction engages the brain in ways that traditional brainstorming or digital work cannot.
The iterative nature of LEGO® building encourages trial and error, allowing individuals to experiment with various approaches and adjust as they go. This process promotes flexible thinking, enabling the exploration of a wide range of solutions without fear of failure, which is key to fostering creativity.
One major obstacle to innovation is becoming trapped in habitual ways of thinking. LEGO® play disrupts this by encouraging free building, which involves constructing without instructions or predefined rules. This form of play removes the need for correctness, allowing adults to explore new ideas without the fear of making mistakes.
By pushing participants to think spatially and visually, LEGO® bricks open the door to lateral thinking and innovative solutions that may not have emerged through conventional problem-solving methods.
LEGO® bricks also excel as a team-building resource. In group settings, LEGO® play fosters collaboration by encouraging participants to share ideas, build together, and collectively solve problems. The hands-on experience naturally stimulates conversation and creative exchange, enabling team members to tackle challenges from various perspectives.
The LEGO® Serious Play method, used in workshops globally, taps into collective creativity by encouraging teams to build metaphors with LEGO® bricks to represent challenges and solutions. This collaborative process deepens understanding and results in more dynamic brainstorming and stronger team cohesion.
Contrary to popular belief, innovation doesn’t always arise from intense focus or formal processes. True creativity often stems from a relaxed, playful state of mind. By integrating play – whether through LEGO® sessions or other creative activities – into the workplace, companies can enhance problem-solving abilities, improve communication, and spark fresh ideas.
Companies like Google and Facebook are known for their playful environments, recognizing that mental flexibility leads to better, more innovative work. Incorporating LEGO® bricks into brainstorming sessions reduces the pressure to generate ideas, making the process more enjoyable and productive.
Though LEGO® may appear simple – even childish – the truth is that it’s a powerful tool for breaking through creative blocks and stimulating innovative thinking. By engaging both the hands and the mind, LEGO® helps individuals and teams generate new ideas, collaborate more effectively, and solve complex problems. Next time you or your team feel stuck in a creative rut, reach for LEGO® bricks – you might just build your way to the next big idea.
Dr. Angie Schierer is an accomplished C-suite executive consultant specializing in rural healthcare administration. With a robust background in operations, quality, process improvement, and team development, she thrives on tackling new challenges and leading diverse teams through transformational growth and innovative thinking.
Ready to put Angie and our team to work for you? Contact us today to get started!