“The WORLD is OVER-ARMED and PEACE is UNDERFUNDED”
– BAN Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General
PLAY: It may seem like an irrelevant and frivolous topic to be speaking and writing about when the stakes are high. Yet, when tensions are high it could be your secret weapon! If you're reading this blog, chances are you understand the true relevance of PLAY. So thank you for stepping up when others might step away. Training the in-house team and the United Nations to use the application of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) methods for Conflict Analysis and Management has been a privilege and a joy. It is heart-warming to know that while the world is experiencing a polycrisis*, there are people armed with bricks and ready to give peace a hand.
*Polycrisis: A time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering that is caused by many different problems happening at the same time so that they together have a very big effect.
First, a bit of background. As a registered therapist—with a master's degree in conflict analysis and management—who has always had art and play therapy tools in my tool kit, adding LSP greatly extended my reach. Working in boardrooms and communities where the conversations can go from icy cold to red hot and back again so quickly it can be mind-spinning can challenge the most skilled practitioners. When I first began consulting work in the Conflict Management field,
I wondered how creativity and play could be used to:
- Create a safe container
- Lower tensions
- Honor all stories
- Identify shared interests
- Provide new perspectives
- Build empathy
- Test intentions
- Create new pathways
And yes, I discovered the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methods can do all that! LSP is the best tool for unearthing new perspectives, building empathy via storytelling, and supporting efforts for transformation and change.
Since 2005, I have been putting LSP to use in conflict situations that have multiple stakeholders where issues come to the table masquerading as scarce resources, only to quickly discover that what is on the surface simply covers up issues with deep roots. Conflicts are usually undefined, messy, complicated, intractable, and value- and identity-based. This is why it can be so challenging for leaders to manage without professional help.
I would not suggest that anyone attempt to manage a conflict unless you are both well-trained and directly invited in to help. Remember: Conflict can escalate quickly, and many well-meaning individuals have found out how quickly good intentions can have unintended consequences. Second, I would not take LSP into a conflict situation unless I first had stakeholder agreements. If people are truly tired of the conflict and are dedicated to see some type of management occur, then LSP is the best tool to use.
If you hate conflicts, you might love peacekeeping.
Join us for our next certification in Creative Conflict Management. If you are a LEGO SERIOUS PLAY methods facilitator, you are already in the perfect position to give peace a hand!
P.S. We have a course running in September in California - join us!