Play Your Way to Trust: how to create psychologically safe learning spaces through play
Lead Author: Amale Ghalbouni
Additional authors:
Timetable: ,
Description:
This session embraces the Surprise and Disguise theme by using hands-on play to help participants explore difficult conversations safely. Through metaphorical modelling and structured creativity, attendees will build representations of challenges and ideas, allowing them to step back, gain fresh perspectives, and discuss tough topics without the usual pressures.
Why This Matters:
Psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams and growth mindset powered environments, yet creating a space where people feel safe to share honestly is one of the hardest things to do. This workshop equips attendees with playful and profound techniques to make the invisible, visible—without the fear of judgment or failure.
What Participants Will Gain:
✅ A structured and playful method to explore tricky conversations safely
✅ Insights into how psychological distance can foster deeper reflection and discussion
✅ Tools to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute
They will get to use LEGO Serious Play to experience the psychological safety that comes with metaphorical thinking.
The Proof:
Research shows that metaphor-based thinking fosters better problem-solving and emotional expression. By creating physical representations of abstract concepts, people unlock new perspectives, increase engagement, and build trust faster than traditional discussion-based approaches.
References, web links and other resources:
Play Your Way to Trust: how to create psychologically safe learning spaces through play
Lead Author: Amale Ghalbouni
Additional authors:
Timetable: ,
Description:
This session embraces the Surprise and Disguise theme by using hands-on play to help participants explore difficult conversations safely. Through metaphorical modelling and structured creativity, attendees will build representations of challenges and ideas, allowing them to step back, gain fresh perspectives, and discuss tough topics without the usual pressures.
Why This Matters:
Psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams and growth mindset powered environments, yet creating a space where people feel safe to share honestly is one of the hardest things to do. This workshop equips attendees with playful and profound techniques to make the invisible, visible—without the fear of judgment or failure.
What Participants Will Gain:
✅ A structured and playful method to explore tricky conversations safely
✅ Insights into how psychological distance can foster deeper reflection and discussion
✅ Tools to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute
They will get to use LEGO Serious Play to experience the psychological safety that comes with metaphorical thinking.
The Proof:
Research shows that metaphor-based thinking fosters better problem-solving and emotional expression. By creating physical representations of abstract concepts, people unlock new perspectives, increase engagement, and build trust faster than traditional discussion-based approaches.
References, web links and other resources: