Well-Being Champions Network

Building Well-being: How LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Enhances Positive Psychology

lego serious play

In a world increasingly focused on mental well-being, innovative tools are emerging to foster positive change. One such method is the fusion of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® with the principles of positive psychology. This powerful combination offers a unique, hands-on approach to exploring human potential, enhancing personal growth, and building stronger, more resilient teams. This article will explore how LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can be a catalyst for positive change.

What is LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®?

LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) is a facilitated methodology that utilizes LEGO® bricks to enhance meaning-making, learning, and creative collaboration. It’s more than just playing with toys; it’s a structured process where participants respond to questions by building their own LEGO® models. These models act as a basis for group discussion, knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and decision-making. The method taps into visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic skills. LSP is designed to give everyone a voice, regardless of their culture or background. The method helps participants engage their imaginations and underlying beliefs.

The Core Principles of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®

  • Hands-On Thinking™: At the heart of LSP is the Hands On Thinking™ method, which uses tangible and visual tools to help participants express their thoughts and ideas. This method facilitates learning and creative collaboration. The process of “thinkering” – creating and understanding concepts while working with the hands – is central to this approach.
  • Narratives and Metaphors: LSP encourages the use of narratives and metaphors, which makes it easier for participants to share complex insights and engage in collaborative learning and creative thinking.
  • Constructivism: The method is based on the learning theory of constructivism, which emphasizes “learning by making”. Building 3D representations of knowledge, ideas, and feelings allows for free, creative and expressive thinking.
  • Playful Environment: LSP fosters a non-judgemental, playful environment, which encourages participants to explore novel ideas without fear of being wrong. This type of environment helps to reduce the negative impacts of “groupthink”.

Positive Psychology: Focusing on Strengths

Positive psychology shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. It aims to understand the positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, well-being, and flourishing. Positive psychology explores: * Subjective Level: Positive experiences like joy, contentment, and happiness. * Individual Level: Human strengths, virtues, and the qualities needed for a “good life”. * Group Level: Teamwork, positive relationships, and factors that contribute to thriving communities.

Why Combine LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and Positive Psychology?

The combination of LSP and positive psychology creates a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. LSP can help to explore strengths and other positive qualities by creating models, metaphors, and narratives. This combination can positively impact: * Intrinsic Motivation: The playful nature of LSP can tap into intrinsic motivation, encouraging people to act for the fun and challenge involved. * Confidence: By identifying and discussing previous achievements, LSP can help build confidence. * Creativity: The use of LEGO® facilitates creativity and problem-solving, allowing people to construct novel stories. * Strengths Use: LSP can illustrate and contextualize strengths, fostering a stronger relationship with oneself and others. * Teamwork: LSP can build a sense of sharing and belonging through collaboration and the creation of new perspectives.

  • Metaperspective: This method allows participants to see both the benefits and downsides of strengths.

Applications of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® in Positive Psychology

LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can be applied to various areas within positive psychology:

  • Positive Interventions: LSP can be used to implement positive psychology interventions, such as positive storytelling and focusing on what is already working well.
  • Strengths Exploration: Participants can use LEGO® to identify and understand their character strengths, and explore how they can be used in different contexts.
  • Purpose and Meaning: LSP can assist in exploring, visualizing, and aligning individuals or teams around their purpose or “why”.
  • Flourishing: The method can help individuals and teams understand what drives their well-being and find ways to flourish more.
  • Gratitude: LSP can be used to increase awareness of what is working well and emphasize the power of gratitude.
  • Goal Setting: LSP can help teams to envision, plan, and commit to specific goals.
  • Mindset Awareness: LSP can help individuals become aware of fixed and growth mindsets, allowing for the development of a stronger growth mindset.

How to Facilitate a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Session

A successful LSP session involves several key steps:

  • Purpose: Always begin with a clear learning goal.
  • Framing: Break the purpose into smaller, focused questions.
  • Building: Participants build models in response to specific questions.
  • Sharing: Each participant shares the story behind their model.
  • Exploration: Use exploration questions to probe deeper into the narratives.
  • Connecting: Combine individual models to identify patterns and shared stories.
  • Capturing: Finalize the session by capturing insights and planning next steps.

Conclusion

LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® offers a powerful and engaging way to apply the principles of positive psychology. By combining hands-on creation with the exploration of personal narratives, this method fosters deeper learning, increased self-awareness, and stronger team connections. Whether you’re looking to enhance your own well-being or improve the dynamics of your team, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can help you “build” a more positive future.

Call to Action

Ready to experience the power of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®? Explore resources on the official LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® website or consider attending a workshop to see how this unique method can transform your approach to well-being and personal development. Send us an enquiry HERE or simply email us at: hello@wellbeingchampions.sg