Agile workshops and courses, Lego included!
Sometimes, when I mention we use Lego as part of our Agile training and certification courses, I get some odd looks.
Yes, I really mean we use Lego, those wonderful coloured plastic bricks that kids have so much fun with.
So how and why do we use Lego to teach Agile concepts?
Lego is a Fun way to teach Agile
There is no reason why learning Agile (or anything else) needs to be dull. In my experience, even the most senior and serious participants enjoy an opportunity to build something with Lego. The experience itself is simply fun, and that helps people to remember the activity and in turn better learn the lessons we are teaching, through the specific exercise.
Often the biggest challenge is getting people to stop playing with the Lego!
Experience wins
Whilst we can “explain” the practice patterns that support various aspects of the XSCALE Framework for Agile Organisations, I find that participants understand the concepts far more quickly and clearly if we can get them to have a “physical experience” of doing something.
In fact, the Lego company itself has launched an initiative called “Lego Serious Play”, which originated from ideas which came of the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland.
The approach is based on research which suggests that hands-on, “minds-on” learning produces a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the world and its possibilities. Participants come away with skills to communicate more effectively, to engage their imaginations more readily, and to approach their work with increased confidence, commitment and insight.
Why not try it out?
In partnership with the Swiss Agile Association, finaplana AG is sponsoring free evening events where you can come along and try it for yourself. You can join the MeetUp Group – Agile: Die nächste Entwicklungsstufe – and get updates on future events (so far only in Zürich, but we plan to host events in other cities later this year).
Our two most popular events, based on Lego simulations used during our training and certification courses, have been:
You can also come to one of our planned Certification Courses where we use Lego, and other techniques and “games”, to enhance the learning experience as you gain certification in one of three core XSCALE modules.
We look forward to seeing you and exploring Agile ways of working.
Christopher William Young
Managing Director
finaplana AG
Maximizing business value through organizational agility
www.finaplana.ch
Upcoming courses: http://www.finaplana.ch/courses/
Join our Zürich Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/Agile-Die-nachste-Entwicklungsstufe/
Member of the Swiss Agile Association: http://www.swissagileassociation.org
XSCALE Alliance Steward – Switzerland: http://www.xscalealliance.org