Strategic Planning with Mind Maps
I've heard many different definitions of strategic planning, but the most common always includes the phrase "big picture thinking." So how do we see the big picture? With linear notes and spreadsheets? No. What about PowerPoint slides? No, that doesn't work either. Whiteboards/flip charts? Better, but difficult to translate into information that can be distributed. (Try carrying those back and forth to every executive meeting!)
The ideal tool for strategic planning, in my opinion, is mindmapping. There is simply no better way to conceptualize, refine, compile, organize and share strategic-level ideas generated from brainstorming and other creative exercises.
In addition to being valuable for the strategic planning process, software-generated mind maps also can be shared electronically. Most mindmapping software can export maps as PDF or graphics files, making the information easy to share among and within groups.
Example Mind Map (created with MindManager X5 Pro)
Mind Mapping Business Strategy
So how do you using mind mapping for strategic planning? The possibilities are limitless. Start with a theme - long term planning, medium term goals, or even something specific like "increase market share by 25% in 180 days." Then let the ideas start flowing. Keep the primary ideas connected to the central idea, then within subtopics let additional, specific thoughts radiate outward. Don't overthink - let the ideas flow as long as there's energy in the room to continue.
At some point in the strategic planning process take a step back and look at your mindmap. If something stands out as really valuable, make that the center topic of a new map and start the process all over again. Again, keep going until the creative energy is diminished. The end result will be more useful and infinitely more elegant than straightforward idea generation. Relationships will be visible, associations are clear - in short, the big picture will be right there in front of you.
Strategic Planning Resources
This list isn't complete - I'm only comfortable recommending resources I've personally used or read and found valuable.
- MindJet CEO discusses how his company - creators of MindManager - use mind mapping for strategic business planning.
- Strategic planning defined.
- Mind map examples (great ideas here!)
- Brainstorming with mind maps
- Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software ebook by Chuck Frey. If you want to learn about mind mapping right now, this is the place to start. Available for immediate download, Power Tips & Strategies is loaded with basic and advanced strategies for getting the most out of your mind mapping software. In my opinion, you simply can't go wrong with Chuck's ebook.
- Mind mapping project management
- Memletics has a great ebook (in PDF format) on concept mapping / mind mapping. This ebook is amazing - I can't recommend it enough.
- Mindmapping Software