A Lesson In Legos

How do you gauge your ability to communicate? When problems occur do you look at communication in your search for answers? When two team members are not getting along - how do you handle that?

Here's my approach. I use two identical sets of Legos to teach a lesson on communication. Two people sat across from each other. A screen blocks their view so neither could see what the other is building.

Round one:
One person gives instructions.
The other followed them exactly.
No questions allowed.
After 30 pieces, the screen is removed.
The result? Badly off. Technically compliant. Practically wrong.

Round two:
Same setup. Same pieces.
This time, the builder can ask questions.
The result will be dramatically better. Usually close. Sometimes nearly perfect.

Round three:
We remove the screen.
They build together.
Both can give direction. Both can ask questions.
The final build will be spot on.

The lesson is simple - one-way communication creates compliance, not alignment. Questions aren’t inefficiency - they’re accuracy. Collaboration beats instruction every time. If you want better outcomes, don’t just give clearer directions. Create space for questions. And when possible - build together.