Author: Alpha Ziman, PMP, PMI-PBA 
Unlocking Creativity in Project Management: Highlights from PMI Switzerland’s LEGO® Serious Play® Workshop
On January 15, 2025, PMI Switzerland offered its members an innovative learning experience that combined play with professional growth. Hosted at the prestigious HWZ in Zürich, this unique LEGO® Serious Play® workshop was led by the talented Christian Bless. The workshop provided project management professionals with fresh tools for problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.
Why This Workshop Was Different
The secret ingredient? LEGO bricks.
While PMI Swiss Chapter events are known for their structured professionalism and punctuality, this workshop added a playful twist that captivated the imagination of every participant.
Building Blocks of Insight: A Journey into Project Management
Attendees were divided into three groups, each embarking on a journey of discovery with their own sets of LEGO bricks. In the first few rounds, participants were given a creative challenge. However, this exercise went beyond merely assembling bricks—it involved storytelling. Each participant shared their creation with the group, explaining key aspects such as:
- What they built
- What project success means to them
- How their creation reflected their thought processes and behavior
This process encouraged self-awareness, sparked creativity, and offered participants a deeper understanding of essential project management principles through metaphor and reflection
From Individual Phase to Collective Phase
In subsequent rounds, attendees took collaboration to the next level. They combined their individual creations into a unified group project, working together to weave their diverse ideas into a cohesive structure. Each group then presented their combined creation to the other teams, explaining how the pieces fit together to achieve a shared vision of success.
This stage of the workshop demonstrated the power of teamwork and collective problem-solving—how combining individual perspectives can lead to breakthroughs in making a project successful.
This hands-on, dynamic approach reinforced the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and understanding the interconnected nature of project management.
A First Encounter with LEGO: A Journey of Discovery
For one participant, the workshop offered a truly unique experience—discovering LEGO bricks for the first time. They confessed to never having played with LEGO before. Despite initial nervousness, they found themselves captivated by the colorful bricks and the challenge of building a structure that symbolized project success.
With the expert guidance of Christian Bless, they crafted a design rich in metaphor: a black LEGO net signified risk control, and blue transparent bricks symbolized project requirements, which are interdependent and defined with clarity and transparency. This hands-on exercise demonstrated the interdependence of critical project elements—a concept at the heart of effective project management. 
Lessons Beyond LEGO
This workshop went beyond play—it was a masterclass in stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Even seasoned PMP-certified professionals found themselves challenged, reminded that growth often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Participants left with fresh insights into creativity, self-reflection, and the power of metaphor in simplifying complex project dynamics.
A Transformative Opportunity
Thanks to the meticulous planning by Claudio Wüst and Ethel Mendocilla Sato from PMI Switzerland Zurich Event’s team, alongside Christian Bless’s expertise, the LEGO® Serious Play® workshop proved to be a resounding success. It underscored how creative tools can drive professional growth and foster meaningful connections.
Curious about how LEGO® Serious Play® can elevate your project management approach? Reach out to Christian Bless at LinkedIn
Sometimes, the simplest tools—like LEGO bricks—can unlock the most profound insights.
Don’t miss the next PMI Switzerland event—a chance to discover, grow, and transform!