Why LEGO® Serious Play® Is a Powerful Tool, Not an Icebreaker

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When people first hear about LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP), there’s sometimes a misconception—it gets categorized as just another icebreaker activity. While LEGO® bricks can absolutely be used for icebreakers, LEGO® Serious Play® goes far beyond that. Here's why this method is much more than a simple “warm-up.”

To understand the difference between the two first we need to work out what an icebreaker is

What Is an Icebreaker?

Icebreakers are short, interactive activities designed to reduce social tension, encourage connection, and make participants feel more comfortable, especially in group settings.

This can be as simple as a round of introductions, orienteering around a new space, a quick fun game or team challenge it's designed to break down barriers and create a more relaxing environment.

Key characteristics of icebreakers include:

  • Fun and Relaxed: They keep things low-pressure and positive.
  • Encouraging Interaction: They get people to collaborate in a fun casual way.
  • Quick and Simple: They’re designed to be quick wins, taking a few minutes at most.

They should always be optional since some people may not feel comfortable with certain activities right away. Some need time to warm up to others, so make sure participation is always an invitation, allowing people to join without pressure or judgment.

A quick search online you will find a variety of icebreakers, also known as energizers, designed to inject energy into a room when needed. These activities are useful for combating post-lunch slumps or re-energizing a group that needs a boost to stay engaged and active. A seasoned facilitator will always have a few ready in their toolbox.

Why LEGO® Serious Play® Is Not an Icebreaker

  1. Depth of Engagement

LEGO® Serious Play® dives deeply into individual and collective thinking. Participants use physical LEGO® models as metaphors for abstract ideas and explore challenges through hands-on problem-solving. It’s less about warming up the room and more about uncovering insights that would remain hidden otherwise.

  1. Time Investment

LEGO® Serious Play® takes more time than typical icebreakers, which usually last 5-10 minutes. Sessions can run anywhere from an hour to a full day. This extra time is important because participants need to think through ideas, build models, and reflect on their meaning. Rushing the process can harm the intended outcomes of your workshop objectives.

  1. A Structured Methodology

LEGO® Serious Play® is a structured process led by a trained facilitator. It involves three key steps: building (to create and shape ideas), storytelling (to share perspectives), and reflecting (to find common insights). This method isn’t just about breaking the ice—it’s designed for strategic discussions, learning, and real results. The facilitator helps participants explore and add meaning to their models in a clear, guided way.

  1. Strategic Purpose

While icebreakers aim to create a positive environment, LEGO® Serious Play® tackles more complex and high-stakes goals. These sessions help businesses and teams align, innovate, or solve compound issues. It’s a serious tool designed to generate tangible results, not just “break the ice.”

  1. Use of Subconscious Thinking

LEGO® Serious Play® helps people think in new ways through hands-on, creative activities. It encourages deeper thinking by tapping into the subconscious, going far beyond the simple ideas often shared during icebreakers. However, it takes time for participants to feel comfortable enough to fully engage in this process.

Can LEGO® Bricks Be Used in Icebreakers?

Most certainly - using colourful LEGO® bricks can be incorporated into icebreakers to spark creativity and build quick connections. For instance, you might ask participants to build a model representing their hobbies or goals in just a few minutes. However, this activity would not qualify as LEGO® Serious Play®—there’s no structured methodology or depth of problem-solving involved.

One example I have used is instead of an introduction I have asked people to build a model of them at work - it serves to help understand some of the key activities people have in a room useful when working with multiple discplines in the room.

Final Thoughts

While both icebreakers and LEGO® Serious Play® aim to foster connection and collaboration, their purposes and execution differ greatly.

Icebreakers focus on breaking social barriers, while LEGO® Serious Play® addresses complex challenges with structure and intent.

Next time you're in a session, remember—LEGO® Serious Play® isn’t just an icebreaker. It’s a powerful tool to spark ideas and unlock potential!

Ready to stack some bricks and build bigger ideas with LEGO® Serious Play®? Let’s turn your team’s collaboration into a something fun and engaging—reach out today, and let’s get building! 🚀🧱