We build teams with music because music draws us in. When we’re engaged in creative activity we stop standing outside ourselves, we stop judging and second guessing who we are and what we should say. Our authentic selves surface. That’s what happens when we’re in the moment and in a creative state. I’m all about music based team building. It’s the vehicle I use to help companies tell their stories, revisit the past, recognize the present and envision the future. Isn’t that what great songs do?

Team Building with Lego

Great songs and Lego…what’s the connection? I couldn’t answer that question about a week ago when I went, somewhat reluctantly, to a day long training facilitated by my friend and right brained colleague Jody Lentz. I wasn’t exactly looking forward to a day doing non-music related activity but somewhere along the way I got hooked, and I got excited. First of all, it’s fun. When we’re having fun we’re in the moment – quite the opposite of boredom. And when we’re in the moment, we’re our most authentic selves, kinda like when we’re creating songs.

Aha Moment

Jody’s program is called, Think With Your Hands® powered by Lego Serious Play®. We build our stories as models; Who are we? How do we fit into our organization? What does our ideal team look like? So last week, we were building this stuff, imagining it all and, Aha, I realized this is like the songwriting process. It’s kinesthetic, it’s fully engaging – we make discoveries about ourselves, our co-workers and our corporate mission – it comes to life through what we build. I got really excited and the day flew by. Team building through song or with Lego; they’re both messy, multidimensional creative activities that provide real ROI because they move us toward a productive end.

Maybe We Should Try This

My reluctance is gone. I’ve been up in the attic rummaging through the boxes of almost forgotten Lego kits and I’m offering up the benefits of team building with Lego. Hmm…after we do that, maybe we can write a song about it.

About Billy Kirsch

Billy is a Grammy & Emmy nominated, CMA & ACM award winning songwriter with numerous Top 10 hits to his credit. His team building programs and keynote speaking presentations help people tap into their creative abilities to become more innovative and engaged in their work. Clients include Fortune 100 companies and organizations throughout the world.