A Different Way to Build Teams
Gerald Ong has a simple but powerful belief—teams work better when people feel safe to share ideas. His tool of choice is not a whiteboard or a PowerPoint deck. It’s LEGO® bricks.
Through LEGO® Serious Play®, Gerald helps teams turn thoughts into 3D models. Each brick becomes a way to express ideas, challenges, and solutions. It’s hands-on, visual, and far more engaging than a meeting table filled with laptops.
Breaking Down Barriers Fast
In many teams, people hold back. They may fear judgment or feel their ideas are not welcome. LEGO® Serious Play® changes that.
By building models, participants stop worrying about finding the perfect words. Instead, they focus on the meaning behind their creations. A simple model of a bridge might represent teamwork. A tower might reflect a goal.
This method creates a level playing field. Titles don’t matter. Everyone contributes equally.
Why It Works for Any Team
LEGO® Serious Play® works across industries and roles because it taps into how humans naturally think—through stories and visuals.
- It’s universal. You don’t need technical skills to build with LEGO bricks.
- It’s memorable. People remember the models and the discussions long after the session.
- It’s honest. Models reveal unspoken concerns and ideas.
- It’s inclusive. Every voice is heard without one person dominating.
Gerald has used it with corporate teams, startups, educators, and community groups. In each case, the process sparks openness and creative problem-solving.
Building Trust While Building Models
The magic of LEGO® Serious Play® is how fast it builds trust. When people share the meaning of their models, they share a part of themselves. Listening to these stories creates empathy and understanding.
This trust doesn’t end with the session. Teams often leave with a clearer sense of each other’s strengths, priorities, and challenges.
Turning Play into Performance
Gerald combines LEGO® Serious Play® with his coaching expertise. The models lead to action plans. The stories highlight opportunities for growth.
A team might use the session to map out a product launch, solve a workflow issue, or strengthen collaboration. The key is that the solutions come from the team itself—not from a top-down instruction.
Extracting Golden Nuggets
Gerald Ong’s approach shows that serious results can come from playful tools. Here’s why it works:
- Engages everyone regardless of role or background.
- Makes abstract ideas visible and easier to discuss.
- Builds trust quickly through personal storytelling.
- Turns conversations into clear, shared actions.
- Creates lasting impact because people remember what they build.
If your team needs more connection, clarity, and creativity, consider a LEGO® Serious Play® session with Gerald Ong.
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