Empathize, Explore, Innovate (and LEGOs®)

Most engineers and IT folks I know who grew up in families that could afford it loved playing with LEGOs®.

Did you know that there are still plenty of ways you can use those magical bricks for more serious business purposes?

Here’s a tip from the PQ library on engaging Sage curiosity and then I’ll share info with you about a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop coming up at the end of February in the Twin Cities.

Tip: Use Sage thinking to Empathize, Explore, and Innovate

Negative emotions narrow your perspective and try to lock you into what you already know or believe. Your survival brain wants to limit your risk to protect you! It is doing its job when it closes down options with tunnel vision!

But your Sage or positive intelligence brain knows that most problems need true perspectives and fresh, thoughtful solutions! This is especially true when other people are involved.

How do you break out of the self-limiting reflex?

You catch it in action and consciously use three other powers: Empathize, Explore and Innovate.

(For those familiar with it, you will recognize Design Thinking principles here.)

Here’s how:

1. When you are faced with a decision and you feel pressured or irritated, Stop. Recognize that the emotions you are feeling are coming from a Saboteur brain stress reaction, and not your best thinking self.
2. Switch. Remind yourself that you always make better decisions with the ease and flow of your positive Sage brain. Take three breaths or do a PQ Rep to let the stress reaction fade.
3. Empathize with others affected by the situation. What is this like for them? What do they want and need? What might it feel like for them in that situation? Engage your compassion and understanding.
4. Explore with a creative spirit. What is really going on? What might affect this decision? What could get in the way of a great outcome for the people involved? Consciously make yourself feel curiosity. Ask questions and really understand the situation.
5. Innovate with playfulness. What could be possible? Say “Yes, and…” to others’ ideas. Build something with the useful parts of what each person is saying. Consider that everyone is offering LEGO® pieces to the pile that you can use to make a better and better solution. Consciously make yourself feel playful. You can do it! Then, make your decision with your Sage brain fully activated.

Try this whenever you feel that pressure or stress or irritation. Those are signs that you may be missing the opportunity to make a better and more-accepted decision. Get as many different kinds of LEGO® pieces as possible into your pile before you make your decision.

For the LEGO® enthusiasts and creative play curious, check out the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop coming up on the morning of Friday, February 28, 8 AM - 12 Noon at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul, Minnesota. “The Power of Creativity and Collaboration with the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Methodology” workshop is sponsored by PACT, the Professional Association for Computer Training.

Follow THIS WORKSHOP LINK for more information and to register on the PACT website.

Contact me with questions about the Positive Intelligence® tip, PQ Reps, or the LEGO® workshop.

And have a playful week!
–Steve