I was recently reminded about the power of MindMaps during a program I was leading on Project Management. Many participants had not yet been exposed to what MindMaps were, and the glistening in their eyes when they got the Ah-ha was amazing.
MindMaps are a tool I use with individual clients when they are stuck or overwhelmed. It’s a great way for people to purge their ideas and get them out on paper.
I also use MindMaps to develop most of my group programs. I was reminded of the power of the tool for this purpose during this month’s Workshop and Retreat Essentials program, when current participants applied this tool to their own program development.
There are a number of applications for the use of MindMaps including:
* Project Management
* Brainstorming
* Creating new possibilities or opportunities
* To undertake a SWOT (for strategic planning for teams or small business owners)
* Program Development
* When clients are stuck or overwhelmed
You can use a simple piece of paper to have people create their own MindMap. For those more technically minded, you can also download a free trial of MindJet software at http://www.mindjet.com/.
For an earlier blog post I wrote on Mind Mapping click here.
I’d love to hear how you are using MindMapping and your experience with the tool. Feel free to post your comments below.
With best wishes,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Email: jennifer[at]potentialsrealized[dot]com
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2 comments:
I'm with you all the way on mind mapping being great for project planning and many aspects of project control. I use Mind Manager myself.
But you might want to mention the free alternatives. There's FreeMind from http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page and there are various free web services. Some have a subscription base but let you have 5 or so maps on line free:
mapul.com Collaborative mind mapping with an organic flavour
mindmeister.com Collaborative mind mapping
kayuda.com Collaborative concept mapping and mind mapping
mindomo.com Collaborative mind mapping
There are many more.
For project teams that aren't all in the same office, access from anywhere on the web can be really great, and several people can work on the same map at one time.
Regards
Vic
http://www.mind-mapping.org
The master list of mind mapping &
information management software
We have many great project management map examples at Mindjet's website (www.mindjet.com) as well as a new offering, the Project Management Jetpack.
The Project Management Jetpack contains a detailed whitepaper that walks users through how to use MindManager and mapping throughout the project lifecycle. It also includes dozens of useful map examples and templates for your project. Check out the details at:
http://www.mindjet.com/us/
products/jetpack/index.php?s=5
Regards,
Michael Deutch
Director of Solutions
Mindjet
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