#528 yin-yang

Yesterday's blog referred to a conversation about Christmas wish lists -- which led to Legos -- which lead to a whole other conversation about Legos themselves.  I have previously* lamented how Legos have become "kits" instead of free form creativity.  Little did I know that there is a whole enterprise revolving just around the mini-figures that are used with the Lego blocks.

Over 4 billion mini-figures have made for Legos -- if they were people, they would be the world's largest population group.  If you visit www.eurobricks.com you will see the millions of ways that Legos and mini-figures have been used to create amazing scenes and art.  It is estimated that every person on earth owns 86 Lego bricks -- but my nieces and nephews are striving to bring that average waaay up!  

Legos are produced at a rate of 5.2 million per hour -- so 45.7 billion bricks were made last year alone.  Yet despite the volume, mini-figures, kits and uses for the bricks far beyond what the creators ever imagined, all the 2x4 Lego bricks manufactured since they began in 1958 use the same measurements and connect together.  

Legos and Oreos are great examples of what Collins and Poras referred to in Built to Last as "preserving the core while stimulating progress".  These are the Yin and Yang of a delicate balance that allows for innovation without abandoning the original values and philosophy.  

What lessons can you take from products like Legos and Oreos -- who have been changing and adapting to meet new market conditions, yet preserve the essence of who they are?  Think about what elements are at your core and what you need to maintain as sacred trusts before you strategize about how to change things.

--- beth triplett

leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  http://education.lego.com/about-us-lego-education-worldwide/lego-facts

*See Blog #160, November 8, 2012