Brain in Business

Mindmapping is, to my mindm a concrete example of a brain friendly technique but I was curious as to how many brain friendly trainers use it themselves?

If you do, tell us how

If you don't - Tell us why not

I'm curious to see your responses

Gavin Meikle

Hi Gavin
I think this is a great question. I can realy see the value of mind mapping but when I try it out I find my list based logical brain takes over. Do you have any tips on how to "let go?" I have read Tony Buzzan's book but I must be missing something.

Shelley

Hi Gavin

I've been a fan and user of mind mapping since reading 'Use Your Head' in 1974, watching the BBC videos, (including Tony Buzan in a 'tank top'!)and then having a workshop with Tony. Brilliant tool - used it for all my degree notes, and have since used it for meetings, decision making, designing courses, planning holidays, and lots more. I'm also a great fan of the software MindManager (I have the 'Smart' version that came free with a computer magazine).

The important 'how' that I would offer is to make sure that ideas are grouped - a map with 20 branches is not effective. Each time you have an idea, think whether it is part of a bigger picture - if the title/visual in the middle of your map is an apple you may have the idea:
1)'William Tell', think about what this could be a part of - perhaps 'characters'. Add 'Characters'as a branch off the centre picture and you will instantly start thinking of others to add, eg Newton, Snow White
2) i-phone - this could become part of modern technology and include other apple products

One thing I would say is, be careful about using the term 'Mind mapping' and don't consider training people unless you are certified by the Buzan Corporation - I prefer to use the phrase 'visual mapping', which is allows a more flexible and less rule-bound version of Tony's idea.

Happy mapping!

Kathey Bailey

Hi all,
I love mindmapping/ visual mapping/ spider diagrams/ cognitive cartography too and use it for almost everything where you need to capture information.

If you're list based and logical Shelley then try using it in a logical way:
number your branches
sort them into an order
always start in the same place - I often write and read mine like a clock face starting at 1 o'clock
if you're using software then you can set the default to look more structured and logical
if you're drawing then it's up to you to make it look logical - would using straight lines help?

or let go by being really creative and get away from small pieces of A4 paper - use flipchart paper, smelly pens, postits, stickers etc. to force yourself away from thinking like a list.

We could do a cognitive cartography session as part of a BFLG meeting if that would interest you.
warmest regards,
Stella

HI Stella

Thank you for your suggestions. I will give them a go next time I need to make notes or plan a new course etc.

In fact I will have a go this afternoon as I have some work to do which could benefit from this.

You are all amazing at helping and I wish you all the best.

Shelley

Hi Gavin

I consider visual mapping (as I refer to it) as a terrific technique and one of my most valuable skills. I use it to plan workshop sessions, to summarise workshop topics for participants, to make sense of complex information, to explore options for almost anything and sometimes, just simply, to clear my head!

I always use A3 paper, lots of coloured markers and sprinkle my maps with simple visual images that act as great prompts.

I used the technique recently to plan a new workshop. I can still see the map in my mind's eye, the colours and the images - for me, this is a great way to recall workshop content without actually having to look at a set of notes or, indeed, the map itself!

Mapping - I wouldn't be without it!!

Vanessa