When we first combined LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) with solution-focused techniques, we discovered something remarkable: the physical act of building with LEGO bricks naturally amplifies the power of future-focused questioning and solution finding. This innovative combination creates a unique approach that helps teams move beyond traditional problem-solving to discover and construct their preferred futures.

The Miracle Question Comes to Life

One of the most powerful solution-focused techniques is the miracle question - asking people to envision a future where their challenges have been mysteriously resolved overnight. When we bring this concept into three dimensions through LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, something fascinating happens. Teams don't just imagine their ideal future; they actually build it. The abstract becomes tangible, and seemingly impossible futures start feeling achievable.

In a workshop with about work stress, participants were asked to build detailed models of their "miracle future" that would help them resolve their issues. The physical act of building and articulating their thoughts helped participants pinpoint exact feelings and challenges. This concrete representation of their desired future state naturally led to discussions about more adaptive strategies for managing their situations.

Discovering What Already Works

Solution-focused approaches emphasize finding exceptions - times when the problem isn't present or is less severe. Through LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, teams can build models of these successful moments, making their existing strengths and resources visible. We've found that when teams build and share models of their past successes, they naturally begin identifying patterns and principles they can apply to current challenges.

Measuring Progress Brick by Brick

Traditional scaling questions ask people to rate their progress on a scale of 1-10. With LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, we transform this into a physical experience. Teams build models representing different points on their journey, creating a tangible landscape of progress. The space between these models becomes rich territory for exploring next steps and identifying small, achievable actions.

Building on Existing Strengths

One of the most powerful aspects of this combined approach is how it helps teams discover and amplify their existing capabilities. Through carefully structured building challenges, teams create shared models that represent their collective strengths. These models often reveal surprising resources and capabilities that might have gone unnoticed in traditional discussions.

We worked with a team that built a complex model showing how their diverse skills and internal expertise complemented each other. The physical representation helped them recognize patterns of collaboration they hadn't previously appreciated, leading to new ways of structuring their projects.

Constructing the Future

The future-focused nature of both LSP and solution-focused techniques creates a powerful synergy. When teams build models of their preferred future, they're not just visualizing it - they're literally constructing it. This physical act of creation helps teams move from abstract hopes to concrete plans.

We guide teams to build bridges between their current situation and desired future state, using the LEGO models to identify specific steps and resources needed for this journey. The physical nature of these models helps teams maintain focus on possibilities rather than problems.

Putting It Into Practice

While the theoretical foundation of this approach is robust, its real power lies in practical application. A typical session might begin with building individual models of successful moments, moving to shared models of team strengths, and culminating in the construction of future scenarios. Throughout the process, carefully crafted questions help teams extract meaningful insights from their builds.

The key is maintaining a delicate balance between structured building challenges and open exploration. We've found that starting with smaller, focused builds before moving to more complex constructions helps teams build confidence and insight progressively.

Moving Forward

This combination of LEGO SERIOUS PLAY and solution-focused techniques offers teams a unique way to discover and build their future together. It's not just about playing with LEGO bricks or asking the right questions - it's about creating an environment where teams can physically construct their path forward.

By making abstract concepts tangible and future possibilities visible, this approach helps teams move from insight to action. Each brick placed becomes part of a larger story of transformation and growth.