Hey there!
You know that moment when you suddenly see how everything is connected? That’s what happens in LEGO®️ SERIOUS PLAY®️ when we start exploring relationships between different parts of a shared model using connectors.
Let me share a fascinating workshop insight…
During a recent session, a team was examining how different parts of their organization interacted. They had a beautiful shared model on the table, but something was missing – the story of how each piece influenced the others.
This is where connectors come in, and they are game-changers.
In LEGO®️ SERIOUS PLAY®, we use different types of connectors to explicitly show how elements interact. Think about it like this:
- Rigid connectors represent unchangeable dependencies (like regulatory requirements)
- Flexible connectors show adaptable relationships (like customer preferences)
- Long connectors indicate distant but important influences (like satellite offices)
- Short connectors represent immediate impacts
Recently, a team discovered something fascinating using these connectors. What they thought was a minor market shift (represented by a flexible connector) actually caused their entire operational model to wobble when moved. This physical demonstration helped them realize they needed stronger risk management strategies.
The real “aha!” moments come when we explore how these connections work:
- Dependencies become visible and tangible
- Impact patterns emerge clearly
- Weak points in systems are revealed
- Opportunities for improvement become obvious
My favorite moment? When someone moves a connector and says, “Now I understand why what happens in your department affects mine so much!”
Next week, I’ll share a specific case study where understanding these connections helped a leadership team completely reimagine their approach to digital transformation.
Keep Building, and connecting,
Jolynn
P.S. Think about your own work environment – what kind of connector would you use to represent your relationship with your closest collaborator? Rigid? Flexible? Long? Short? Hit reply and let me know!
Quick Tip Box: 🔍 Understanding Connectors
- Rigid = Fixed relationships/dependencies
- Flexible = Adaptable connections
- Long = Distant but important influences
- Short = Immediate impacts
- Multiple = Complex interdependencies