Breaking Barriers with Bricks: How Lego Rebuilt Trust in a Disconnected IT Team

I met him – an Australian expert with over thirty years of experience in the IT industry, who had spent two decades collaborating with Vietnamese companies on outsourcing projects. He exuded the calm demeanor of a seasoned professional, but his sharp eyes seemed to pierce through the kind of truths others dare not face.

After some small talk, we asked him a question that had lingered in our minds for a long time: “What do you think about Vietnamese IT professionals?” He paused, took a sip of his coffee, and gently replied, “I think Vietnam has many talented engineers. But their problem doesn’t lie in technology.” He stopped briefly, as if carefully choosing his words. “Their biggest weakness is the way they work.”

His answer intrigued us, and we urged him to elaborate. “They lack business acumen,” he continued. “Sometimes, they focus on what they think is good instead of understanding what the client really needs. They’re not flexible – changes make them uneasy or even paralyzed. And the biggest issue – their communication is problematic. Not just with clients but even among themselves.”

His words hit a nerve. This was an issue we had heard time and again from IT leaders, but no one seemed ready to confront the “elephant in the room.” Everyone knew it was there, yet it was easier to ignore than to deal with.

Months later, a company of mine, BlueC met the leadership team of CoderPush, a young tech company with a remote workforce. Their team hailed from all over: Da Nang, Hanoi, Dak Lak, and Saigon. This diversity enabled them to serve international clients professionally, but the physical dispersion also created invisible barriers.

As we listened to them, one thing became clear: they were not short on talent or enthusiasm, but deep-rooted challenges were holding them back. The team wasn’t truly communicating effectively; minor conflicts could escalate simply because no one was willing to speak up. When clients made changes, confusion rippled through the team, slowing progress and dampening morale.

One of the leaders admitted, “I know everyone is trying their best, but sometimes I feel like they’re all working in their own little worlds, not truly connecting with one another.” These words revealed frustration but also a readiness to change – if the right approach could be found.

Hearing their struggles, we at BlueC knew that traditional solutions like theoretical training sessions wouldn’t work. CoderPush needed something different, something that could help every member of their team genuinely connect and understand each other. That was when we introduced Lego Serious Play (LSP).

When they first heard the word “Lego,” their surprise was evident. “You mean we’re going to play with Lego?” they asked. Our colleague Vu smiled. “Not just play. This is a way for everyone to tell their stories without the burden of complex words. The Lego bricks become a shared language, allowing you to express your thoughts, emotions, and values.”

Their curiosity soon outweighed their skepticism, and they agreed to give it a try.

The workshop took place in an open space where each member of CoderPush sat in front of a colorful Lego kit. At first, hesitation was written all over their faces. But as the first exercise began, the atmosphere gradually shifted.

A young employee from Dak Lak, usually reserved, built a model he called “the green meadow.” When he shared his story, the team listened attentively. He explained how he once thought this job was just temporary, but over time, he realized it was a place that helped him grow and push beyond his personal limits.

Brick by brick, other models emerged. One depicted a bridge connecting two riverbanks, symbolizing the connections the team wanted to strengthen. Another represented a lighthouse, standing tall as a beacon for the organization’s shared goals. Each story became a piece of a larger picture, where individual values seamlessly intertwined with collective aspirations.

By the end of the workshop, the invisible barriers had melted away. The team no longer saw each other merely as colleagues but as companions on a greater journey. Openness, understanding, and trust became palpable in the room.

One of CoderPush’s leaders reflected, “I never thought Lego bricks could help our team understand each other so deeply. This wasn’t just an internal activity – it was a turning point in how we work together.”

CoderPush’s story is a testament to the power of LSP in overcoming the “invisible” challenges often faced by teams in tech-focused environments. LSP is not just a creative method but a practical tool that helps teams rediscover connection, build trust, and work towards shared goals.

Their journey is a reminder that sometimes, the biggest barriers can be overcome by looking at things differently – as simply as seeing how Lego bricks can come together to create something extraordinary.

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