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Yesterday, I received an online demonstration of ResultManager v2.0, a new solution for MindManager X5 from Nick Dufill’s firm, Gyronix. In the course of our conversation, Nick shared several important insights about mind mapping that I would like to pass along to you:
Map Central: Avid users of mind mapping software often create numerous maps for the projects they're working on, ideas, to-do lists and much more. So how do you effectively keep track of all of these maps? Nick recommends the use of what he calls a "Map Central," a single mind map that provides links to every one of your other maps. This “map of maps” ensures that all of the maps you’ve created are only one click away.
Why mind mapping software is effective for project-management: Nick believes that many executives need help visualizing the end result of the projects they're working on. Linear forms of recording information, such as taking notes and making lists, don’t provide the clarity needed to help them get their minds around projects. But mind maps do, because they show project elements visually in context and relationship with each other. They are also dynamic, because you can continue updating and adding ideas to them over time.
In a project map, the central or top-level topic that describes the project represents the end result, the objective. All of the action steps that you add as child topics to this project definition represent what you need to do in order to achieve that objective. In a sense, you’re using the mind map to visualize a future outcome, and then working backwards to the present to figure out what you need to do to reach that objective.
Fascinating insights, Nick! Of course, ResultManager v2.0 is quite interesting in its own right, because it enables you to quickly scan your maps for action steps, and then displays them to you in several contexts, using David Allen’s Getting Things Done methodology (click here to read my review of David’s book, Getting Things Done – The Art of Stress-Free Productivity). Watch for a review of ResultManager v2.0 on this Web site in the coming weeks! |
