Why we need new methods in order to really talk to generations in the world of work.
Four generations. A team. A goal. And yet everyone is talking past each other.
Baby boomers who rely on long -year -old experience and loyal structures.
Millennials that live project work, agility and work-life balance as self-balance.
Gen z, the purpose demands and clear attitude.
And somewhere in between: managers, HR and talent development opera who somehow should moderate all of this.
Welcome to the world of work.
Why the attempt to take everyone with them often fails
What often looks harmless in theory and strategy paper, "we promote interdisciplinary work and learning" quickly becomes a challenge in everyday life. It is not uncommon for projects to fail on the idea, but because of misunderstandings in cooperation: unspoken expectations, hidden prejudices, communication styles that disturb more than clarify.
The cause? Often simple: a lack of mutual stem.
In a world in which we mainly communicate in 2D, there is often a lack of space to create a real connection - beyond roles, titles and buzzwords.
LEGO® Serious Play® as a method against speechlessness
Lego Serious Play (LSP) may sound playful for some - but is a highly structured moderation approach that appeals to cognitive, emotional and social levels at the same time.
Participants build models with Lego stones that represent their perspectives, experiences or wishes for a question. These are then explained, mirrored and discussed. This creates insights that often remain hidden in a pure conversation.
This has a liberating effect, especially in the generation -enhancing context.
All build. Everyone speak. Everyone listens. Not the age, but the perspective counts.
But LSP is not a panacea - and that is exactly what is important to know
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Time -consuming: The method needs space - for reflection, exchange and trust. If you are planning only a short team building, you better use other formats.
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Emotionally unusual: For many, working with the hands is initially unusual, even uncomfortable. A good moderation and a clear goal are needed.
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Trust -based: LSP only works if psychological security exists.
But if this succeeds, the method can build bridges where language fails alone.
What HR and Talent Development can take with them from it
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Instead of assuming: LSP helps to make implicit attitudes visible - for example on the understanding of leadership, on career pictures or feedback culture.
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Sustainable team processes: together build together creates a relationship - not only in the workshop, but as a basis for joint further development.
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Think of trust as a strategic resource: If you want to bring generations together, you need more than values. Trust arises from shared experiences that allow change of perspective.
Conclusion: We need new forms of conversation for new realities
In a hybrid, fast working world, it is tempting to standardize everything. But trust, understanding and sustainable cooperation do not arise at the push of a button. You need time, seriousness and sometimes unusual access.
Lego Serious Play is not a miracle cure. But it opens a door to real, generational cooperation.