Introduction
“The Inventors of LEGO Toys” by Erin Hagar tells the story of Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter who turned his small workshop into one of the most popular toy brands in history following a devastating fire that damaged his shop.
Here are six lessons I learned from the book:
1
Be Inventive
Godtfred, the son of the carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen, was the genius behind the LEGO brick. He was always experimenting and innovating, trying to find the best way to make a toy that would inspire children to build their own creations. He never gave up, even when things went wrong or when people doubted him. I learned from reading about him that inventiveness is a skill that can be developed and improved with practice and perseverance.
2
Don’t Be Afraid To Fail
The LEGO company was not always successful. They had to face many challenges and failures along the way, such as market changes and factory fires. But they always learned from their mistakes and adapted to the new situations. They showed me that failure is not something to be afraid of, but rather an opportunity to grow and improve.
3
Be True To Yourself
A description of Christiansen’s early attempts to design a toy that would become popular right away is included in the book. He seized the opportunity when the yo-yo gained popularity, and when it didn’t take off, he learned how to “not worry about what’s popular.” It’s important to keep in mind to be true to yourself and resist the pull of trends.
4
Value Teamwork
The LEGO company is a family business that values teamwork and communication. Ole Kirk Christiansen started the company with his sons and involved them in every aspect of the production. They also listened to their employees and customers and incorporated their feedback into their products. This shows the importance of communication and teamwork in achieving success and happiness.
5
Be Responible
LEGO is more than just a toy. It’s a force for good in the world. The book revealed how LEGO supports educational causes and improves the lives of children and communities around the world. They also care about the environment and are always looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet. This showed me that a company can make a fun product while also being responsible and caring.
6
Be Innovative
LEGO is constantly evolving. The book illustrated how LEGO adapts to changing times and trends, introducing new themes, technologies and experiences for its fans. They also encourage their fans to be creative and express themselves with their own creations. I learned that LEGO is not only timeless, but also innovative and diverse.
Conclusion
If you are curious about the history of LEGO and want to learn more about its amazing inventors, I highly recommend you check out the book here.