In a world obsessed with productivity, deadlines, and efficiency, we often forget the one thing that made us most creative as children—play. But what if the same playful energy could unlock innovation, connection, and strategy in the boardroom?In this episode, we explore how the tiny LEGO® bricks you once played with as a child are now powerful tools for serious transformation in the workplace.
Yes, it’s not just play—it’s a strategic catalyst for trust, collaboration, and performance.LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) isn’t about building castles or cars—it’s about building conversations, clarity, and confidence. At both individual and organizational levels, this structured method of play invites people to bring their whole selves—especially their “child self”—into spaces where real psychological safety and breakthroughs can happen. It transforms how teams align, communicate, and co-create solutions.
Key Insights from the Conversation with Michael Fearne Michael Fearne’s work with LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) challenges the traditional notion that creativity is a “nice-to-have” in business. He shared rich, thought-provoking insights on how structured play can unlock transformation in even the most structured environments:
1. Rediscovering Play as a Strategic Tool Michael’s personal discovery of play later in life serves as a reminder that play isn’t reserved for children—it’s a powerful enabler of insight and outcome. In corporate settings, it provides a safe space for new thinking, divergent perspectives, and reflective dialogue.
2. Reclaiming the “Child Self” in the Corporate WorldIn today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environments, most people operate from their “Work Self,” often suppressing their natural creativity and spontaneity. LSP reintroduces the “Child Self” in a professional context—not as a regression, but as an accelerator for empathy, openness, and fresh thinking.
3. Psychological Safety Through PlayTrust and connection are not built through policy—they’re built through experience. Playful methods like LSP create emotional safety, encouraging people to share, challenge, and co-create without fear. This environment is crucial for inclusive dialogue, stronger team dynamics, and accelerated alignment.
4. Structured Play with Clear PurposeLSP is not about building for fun; it’s play with a purpose. Sessions begin with a defined outcome and are intentionally designed to surface insights, solve challenges, and align people around common goals. It’s not chaotic—it’s structured creativity that leads to measurable outcomes.
5. Creating the “Aha!” Moment for EveryoneOne of the most powerful aspects of LSP is that it doesn’t just spotlight the loudest voices. Every participant has a chance to externalize their thinking, visualize their perspective, and experience personal breakthroughs—driving collective clarity and buy-in across the room.
6. Invest in Expertise for Real ImpactMichael emphasized that the value of LSP lies not just in the bricks, but in how they’re used. Organizations serious about transformation should engage certified LSP facilitators, ensuring that sessions are expertly guided to maximize business and cultural impact.
Key Takeaway:
1.Are we creating workplaces where innovation can truly breathe?
2.This episode highlights a fundamental shift in how we approach growth, connection, and performance:
3.Play is not the opposite of work—it’s the pathway to better work.
4.Structured play opens space for psychological safety, collaborative problem-solving, and deep engagement.
5.It enables leaders to listen differently, teams to think visually, and organizations to build trust brick by brick.
About the Guest – Michael Fearne is the Founder of LSP Method and author of The LSP Method book. He’s a global facilitator and a leading voice in bringing LEGO® Serious Play® into strategy, culture, and innovation conversations within organizations.
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