The goal of the Lego Challenge is to build a model as close to a provided diagram as possible, with the exciting twist that only one member of the team has seen the diagram. And, they’re not allowed to touch any bricks or be anywhere near the building!
From the youngest child to the most experienced adult Lego enhances communication, collaboration, and teamwork.
The model could be a figure, a scene or even a storyboard – you choose the challenge level.
The team member who’s seen the diagram separate from the rest of the team has a crucial role to play as the bridges and methods of communication are established.
By describing the model and attempting to provide instructions the person with knowledge of the diagram must communicate clearly and concisely – a skill they may find surprisingly difficult!
Using Clear Communication
Then, once the mediator returns to the builders and relays the instructions again, another opportunity for confusion arises. How well were they listening? How well can they not only visualise the instructions they were given, but also communicate them to the rest of the team?
Participants quickly realise that clear communication is harder than it looks, and effective facilitation helps them to explore this realisation. With the right follow-up questions and an opportunity to repeat the task, valuable and lasting change can be achieved.
