Harness the Power and Creativity of
What is Mind-Mapping?
Mind-Map is a term coined by Tony Buzan based on the occurrence of non-linear connections in nature and the natural branching concepts that occur in trees and the brain.
A Mind-Map is a powerful graphic technique which harnesses the full range of cortical skills in a single, fluid manner. That’s how Thomas H. Speller Jr. from the MIT Engineering Systems Division defined it.
In other words, it’s a way to “fully engage” your mind with a specific topic, problem or thing. It incorporates the following in a graphic environment:
Words Images Numbers Logic Rhythm Color Spatial Awareness Why would you use it?
We’ve all heard the expression, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
You can use a Mind Map to provide a picture which is easier to remember than a list or outline of words. It also lets you see the whole picture AND the details all at the same time.
To get more specific, here is what you get.
A Mind Map provides an at-a-glance overview of a large or complicated topic.
A Mind Map encourages problem solving by showing you new pathways and potential links. A Mind Map assists you in planning by representing the entire issue in one visual, showing
interconnections and parallel processes.
You can imagine how valuable that would be in a business setting.
When would it be good to use a Mind Map Tool? There are at least 5 contexts where using a
Mind Map Tool would be appropriate and powerful. Self-Analysis Problem Solving Thinking Teaching Management
For a more complete treatment of using a Mind Map in each of these specific contexts along with examples, visit our website at www.thehayesapproach.com/mindmap/
Full engagement with a topic ignites creativity.
Mind Maps are versatile tools!
Let’s take a look at a real life example.
Here is a THA application of a Mind Map tool called MindMeister.
Now that you have seen a real-life application in a business setting, you are probably wondering how to get started. Let’s jump right in!
Step 1: Generate a Topic
What do you want as the focus of your thinking?
State your topic in no more than a few words. By keeping your topic concise and simple, you’ll understand more aspects of it as you create the map. In other words, the broader topic will leave the door open for more
exploration in the future.
Step 2: Place That Topic in the Center of the Page
Use bold letters to write the topic then place a circle or square around it. Step 3: Start Writing Everything That Comes to Mind
As the thoughts come, draw a branch from the main topic. Use as few words as possible and print clearly. Step 4: Start Branching
Try to extend your thoughts from one idea to the next. Look back at the example for some inspiration. Draw lines between thoughts to create lateral thinking.
Number each of your ideas to create organization.
Power Thought:
Partner these 4 Simple Steps with an open mind to
capture ideas that lead to business transformation.
Creative Hints:
Orient your paper in landscape style. That will give you the most room to work with.
Work fast without rethinking what comes to mind. This is not a time to edit or judge what appears. Just write it and you can ask questions later.Work quickly without pausing, judging or editing. If you pause, judge or edit, you’re encouraging linear thinking and analysis-paralysis and the idea that things have to be perfect before you can begin. The idea behind the mind map is to think creatively in a non-linear manner.
Focus on key ideas using your own words. Then you can look for branches.
Give yourself the freedom to get all the possibilities into the mind map. Editing comes later.
Feel free to use lines, colors, arrows or branches to flesh out the idea. Order and full clarity will come later.
Just start! Start anywhere. Let it take you where it will. When you’re working on an idea, you’ll most likely be working on several things at the same time. The mind map helps you avoid that paralyzing thought of where to begin. Begin anywhere; the point is to begin.
Leave plenty of space so you can go back and add to the ideas, branches and thoughts. You will probably find that you have something to add or some questions you want to ask pertaining to some idea.
Try it Out! Comparison Exercise:
Using a short article of your choice, have two people or groups take notes as they read through the article. Have group 1 use a traditional form of taking notes while group 2 deploys mind mapping
Once everyone is pretty much done, grab a sample of the notes from each person (or group) and put them up where everyone can see them.
Which method produced a more engaging and thought provoking set of notes?
Top Takeaways from the Exercise:
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Where Can I Go to Learn More and Find Resources?
You can go to our website to see an up-to-date list of Software and Non-software options and access other training.
http://thehayesapproach.com/tools-resources-creative-business-moments
Final Thoughts
We all want to make the most of every Creative Business Moment.
They may not happen every day and in today’s competitive environment we need to leverage every great idea, every hyper-productive process and every transformative relationship we can create.
You can use the mind mapping techniques we’ve covered today to reap big rewards. We hope you will and if you want to get even more out of what you learned today, contact us to talk with one of our mind mapping coaches. We would love to help!
Visit our website at www.thehayesapproach.com
Leslie Hayes, President, The Hayes Approach
Leslie is a Professional Coach, Workplace Educator, HR Consultant and Author with a degree in Psychology from Harvard University.
Leslie has had a diverse career building HR teams from the ground up and helping clients large and small to increase workplace effectiveness and productivity.
Leslie is the author of the eBook series,
Leading for Results
and is a columnist for Business Black Box
Magazine, the premier Business Magazine in Upstate South Carolina.
Leslie is the President and founder of The Hayes Approach.
Share your challenges or thoughts with Leslie at [email protected]
Bob Kunkle, ACC
Bob is an ICF Certified Coach, Author, Educator and Student of Professional Growth and Development who works with individuals and organizations to help them gain clarity, better results, develop new skills and overcome barriers.
Bob is the author of the eBook,7 Keys to Transformation: Igniting Amazing Results in Your Work & Life
and has written numerous articles such as “You Can Start from Here”, “How Amazing Leaders
Master Team Building”, “Becoming the Master of Your Time” and “No Substitute for Action”. Bob also provides expert commentary and tools through his blog at www.ignitingresults.com, speaking engagements and live events.
Bob owns Igniting Results Coaching and serves as an Adjunct Executive Coach with Right Management Inc. and Business Coach with The Mackenzie Group Inc.
