Mind mapping is a creative exercise used to explore ideas
I remember the first time I saw it at a project meeting. The whiteboard started off with the project being written in the middle and then each of us as department heads would add ideas and thoughts on how we would help with the process. The collaboration in that meeting was unbelievable. It was in a word.. mind-blowing. It has changed the way I think of project development ever since.
What do you need to mind map?
One thing to remember, there is not right or wrong way to mind map. This is a creative process and we do not want to slow it down by making a ton of rules.
The great thing about this process is all that you need is a piece of paper, a white board or anything else that you can use as a canvas. If I am the only one mind mapping, then I utilize the my Bullet Journal. this has been my productivity partner of choice for the past 4 years. I tend to remember and focus on things that I write down.
The 3 core concepts to get you started.
#1 – Place the central project, theme, or idea in the middle of your canvas.
#2 – Now start to think of related ideas needed for the project or theme. Brainstorm, add these ideas to your canvas. Place the ideas around the main theme. Do not hesitate or overthink. In most cases, your first thoughts were good and makes the most sense. Do not hesitate to throw anything out there, even if you decide not to use it. Utilize annotations to help with taking action.
#3 – Utilize lines, symbols or colors to connect and create relationships between the ideas
Leave space for more ideas, thoughts, or notes. This is a living document. Develop your own style of mind mapping. The idea is to create an environment of creative thinking, feedback, and idea-sharing.
here is an example – building a dog house -square around the main theme, circle for the sub themes and then number or highlight other important items.
If you have a team, then one of the digital mind mapping tools outlined next can help with collaboration. In today’s working environment, mind mapping software is crucial as many people are still working from home.
There are a plethora of digital software tools available. MindMup, Smartdraw, and Scapple just to name a few.
I use Milanote to organize my thoughts and ideas. Take some time and find out which tool would benefit you. Some of these options have a free option, so you can try them before you buy.
The Mind Mapping Software Blog, did a survey and came up with some interesting data. The report will be available in the show notes as well.
- Busy executives (ever met an executive who wasn’t busy?) claimed mind mapping software helped them be 20-30% more productive in their work. That result hasn’t changed in the surveys over an eight-year period, so it’s probably safe to accept it as solid data.
- A large percentage of survey respondents claimed mind mapping increases their creativity by 30%. When they asked a related question about divergent thinking, 46.5% said that mind mapping helped them “to a large extent” to think divergently.
- Expert users said mind mapping software saved them an average of seven hours a week. Not sure how they determined expertise, but unless you’re using mind mapping software pretty extensively, I think you may see less time savings. Saving time is the main benefit I’m trying to highlight in this article.
- And 78% of the survey respondents said that mind mapping software helped them present their ideas with greater impact.
Why does Mind Mapping work?
Basically, the reason that mind mapping is so effective is most of us are visually stimulated. We tend to take in visual data and information quicker and remember it longer.
Mind maps help stimulate collaborative thinking and that helps to generate new ideas.
Mind Mapping lends itself to provide a global overview when the project or theme are complex. This process does not allow for ideas or thoughts to get lost
What is the benefit of using the mind map technique?
The bottom line is improved productivity and it helps spark creativity. In my experience people who utilize the mind mapping process seem to significantly improve their ability to communicate ideas or solutions. allowing for collaboration and meaningful engagement from all participants.
The process of mind mapping has increased my creativity and productivity. It allows for me and my team to generate ideas and solutions while connecting different metrics, data, and information.
As you can see, utilizing mind mapping is a simple and easy process. The next time you or your team have a project to discuss, try it. Don’t overthink the process just jump in and do it. If you would like to watch a short video explaining the process more in depth then click on the link in the show notes. My Secret for mind mapping.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about mind mapping or other productivity tips & tricks, leave a comment at managethemayhem.blog and we will try to answer as quickly as possible.
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