How Coaching is Evolving: The Rise of Experiential & Play-Based Methods
Coaching has long been associated with structured conversations, reflection exercises, and goal-setting frameworks. However, as the coaching industry continues to grow and evolve, so do the methods used to facilitate deep transformation, engagement, and learning. Increasingly, experiential and play-based methodologies are reshaping how coaches work with individuals and teams—bringing creativity, embodiment, and hands-on engagement into the coaching space.
One such approach leading this transformation is LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP), a dynamic methodology that enhances systemic and executive coaching by unlocking deeper insights through hands-on, metaphorical thinking. In this article, we’ll explore why experiential and play-based coaching is on the rise and how it can complement traditional coaching methodologies for more profound impact.
The Shift Towards Experiential & Play-Based Coaching
The way people learn, process information, and solve problems is changing. With the increasing complexity of modern leadership, systemic challenges, and organizational dynamics, traditional coaching conversations alone may not always be enough.
Why the shift?
Growing need for deeper engagement – Clients seek more interactive and immersive coaching experiences.
Advancements in neuroscience and learning psychology – Studies show that learning through play and hands-on experiences leads to higher retention and more powerful insights.
The rise of systemic coaching – As coaching moves beyond one-on-one dialogues into group dynamics and organizational systems, play-based methods provide a shared, tangible language for navigating complexity.
The human craving for creativity and meaning – Play, storytelling, and metaphor unlock deeper emotions and insights that traditional methods may overlook.
This shift towards experiential learning is transforming the coaching landscape, and LEGO® Serious Play® is a prime example of this evolution.
What is LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) and How Does It Work in Coaching?
LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) is a facilitated coaching and problem-solving methodology that uses LEGO bricks as a tool for expression, exploration, and storytelling. By building metaphorical models, clients can externalize their thinking, making complex ideas more tangible and easier to navigate.
How does it work?
Clients build models to represent their thoughts, emotions, and challenges.
They describe the meaning behind their models, turning abstract ideas into visual, structured insights.
Coaches guide clients through deep reflection and storytelling, helping them uncover hidden patterns, values, and perspectives.
By combining hands-on engagement, metaphorical storytelling, and systemic exploration, LSP seamlessly complements executive, leadership, and systemic coaching.
How LEGO Serious Play Complements Systemic & Executive Coaching
1. Unlocking Subconscious Thinking & Deeper Insights
Traditional executive coaching often involves structured reflection and verbal processing, but not all thoughts are easily articulated in words. LEGO® Serious Play® allows clients to express complex ideas non-verbally, leading to deeper and more authentic revelations.
For example, a leadership coach working with an executive on decision-making might ask them to build a model of their ideal leadership approach. The act of building externalizes thoughts, allowing them to recognize subconscious patterns, fears, and values they may not have vocalized otherwise.
2. Enhancing Systems Thinking & Organizational Awareness
Systemic coaching examines how individuals interact within a broader system, whether it be a team, organization, or industry. Play-based methods like LSP provide a visual and tangible way to explore systemic relationships.
Leaders can map out their teams through LEGO models, identifying dynamics they hadn’t noticed before.
Organizations can use LSP to prototype future strategies in a low-risk, hands-on environment.
Teams can visually represent power structures, trust dynamics, and communication flows, leading to actionable insights.
By making systems visible, coaches can help clients navigate complexity with greater clarity and strategic awareness.
3. Increasing Psychological Safety & Emotional Expression
Executive coaching often involves high-stakes conversations about leadership, performance, and personal growth. However, many professionals struggle to be truly vulnerable in a verbal setting.
LSP creates a safe, non-judgmental space where emotions and challenges can be expressed through metaphor. By allowing the hands to “do the thinking,” clients feel less exposed, making it easier to discuss difficult topics, limiting beliefs, or workplace challenges.
4. Driving Engagement & Creative Problem-Solving
One of the biggest challenges in coaching is keeping clients fully engaged—especially in a corporate setting where traditional coaching can feel overly structured or rigid.
LEGO® Serious Play® infuses playfulness into serious discussions, making the process not only engaging but also more memorable. The combination of creativity, storytelling, and kinesthetic learning helps clients think in new, innovative ways.
For example:
An executive team struggling with strategic alignment might build models of their shared vision.
A coach working with a burnt-out leader could guide them to create a model of their ideal work-life balance, leading to tangible action steps.
Other Experiential & Play-Based Methods Reshaping Coaching
While LEGO® Serious Play® is a powerful tool, it’s part of a broader movement toward experiential coaching. Other innovative approaches include:
Visual Mapping & Graphic Facilitation – Using mind maps, drawings, and sketches to enhance systemic coaching.
Improv & Role-Playing Exercises – Helping clients build confidence, resilience, and adaptability.
Metaphor-Based Coaching – Using storytelling techniques and symbolic language to unlock new perspectives.
Somatic Coaching – Tapping into body intelligence and movement-based techniques to drive transformation.
The common thread? All these methods engage clients beyond traditional conversation, tapping into multiple forms of intelligence for more powerful results.
How to Integrate LEGO® Serious Play® into Your Coaching Practice
If you're a coach or facilitator interested in incorporating play-based methods like LEGO® Serious Play® into your work, here’s how to get started:
Get Certified in LEGO® Serious Play® – Learn the core principles, facilitation techniques, and best practices.
Start Small – Try integrating LSP exercises into existing coaching sessions.
Experiment with Different Use Cases – Use LSP for leadership development, team coaching, strategic planning, and personal reflection.
Leverage Hybrid Coaching Models – Combine LEGO® Serious Play® with traditional coaching conversations for a balanced approach.
At The Brick Coach, we offer a comprehensive online LEGO® Serious Play® training tailored for coaches, facilitators, and L&D professionals. Learn how to apply this powerful methodology in your practice from anywhere in the world.
As coaching evolves to meet the needs of modern leaders, teams, and organizations, play-based methodologies like LEGO® Serious Play® are proving to be powerful, transformative tools.
By integrating experiential learning, systemic awareness, and creative problem-solving, LSP and other play-based techniques offer coaches and facilitators a fresh, engaging, and highly effective approach to transformation.
If you’re ready to explore the future of coaching, it’s time to start thinking beyond words and into hands-on, interactive experiences.
