Well, I thought I would share some of my recent experiences with mind mapping since blogging about it.
I've conducted three training sessions in which I included mapping as an activity, and I actually used it for some personal reflection as well. I did not use the software in the activities....just the concept.
The first session was a management development session that used the technique to analyze a case study. Four teams of two or three people worked on the same case. Interestingly, each team came up with a different spin on the solutions. I think most participants had an aha moment.
The second session was with student affairs folks on worklife balance. We conducted an exercise for folks to identify themes of stressors, and then they were asked to join others with similar issues to mind map solutions. Again, folks jumped in quickly and seemed engaged. Each team debriefed their map.
The third session was with library folks whose job is being upgraded. We had them work at their table to brainstorm what was in their span of control in terms of the upgrade process and their feelings about all of the change they've endured. Again, they jumped in and the maps were, overall, pretty positive.
In all cases, we showed the Tony Buzan 4 minute video to demo the technique just before the map exercise. They all "got it" immediately. And, I'm not sure we ever really grow out of colored markers and paper!
Finally, I can speak to using this technique for a personal discovery process too. I mapped out four things: my feelings, concerns, ideal retirement job and things that make me most happy. It was an amazing experience to get all of these thoughts down on four small pieces of paper. I felt like I could see the "big" issues vs. the "small" ones. And, I felt empowered as I realized that I could deal with all of the things that, previously, were swimming around in my head.
Mind mapping is just a great tool. I really encourage you to try it. But, once is not done. You really need to do it a few times to get the swing of it.
And, then, download that free software and really have a good time.
Good luck!
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