The mind map

At this point we will not talk about the mental map as a mental model. The model that gathers our vision of the world, of our reality, and that we build from our perception and experiences, according to the neurological and language limitations that we all share.

Here we will refer to the mind map as the tool created (or updated and popularized) by the British author Tony Buzan. A visual representation that allows us to generate new ideas and deepen our understanding of a subject. A means to organize ourselves, to make sense of the information we have in our mind and to bring it out in a creative way.

This tool obeys to how the brain works, especially when it comes to learning, in a non-linear way. Our mind with its network of neurons is organized in a similar way. That is why it is widely used in countless scenarios.

What is a mind map?

A mind map is a way of representing ideas or concepts graphically (in the form of a diagram). It is a very creative and visual way of relating, organizing, associating and expressing thoughts. It responds to our perception and our interests, which makes them unique and subjective. It is our particular appreciation of the phenomenon we want to map. Like a real map, it serves to know and understand an environment, in this case our mind.

Its purpose is to explore a topic, to allow ideas to emerge organically and spontaneously and to shape them, organizing them, classifying them and placing them on the map to better understand the interrelationships.

What is a mind map for?

Mind maps are easy to make and their flexibility makes them a very versatile tool, so all sectors and facets of life can benefit from their use.

You can represent literally anything. You can use them to clear a doubt, put order in the ideas buzzing in your head, find the solution to a problem, discuss an idea in a group, organize an event, make a decision, represent everything that is important to you or what you want to achieve in the future.

The ideas on the subject come up and you relate them to each other. You can let them flow quietly without losing your way. You can visualize all the variables involved. Among its most common uses are.

Mind map and coaching

Coaching is a relationship in which a great conversation is established. Throughout the process, in the sessions, numerous questions are asked. Questions to be answered by the client. Some simpler than others. Questions that perhaps have never been asked and to which answers must be sought in a short time. It is an exercise of self-knowledge with a high dose of reflection.

This is one more tool to use in coaching. But one that allows us to connect in a deeper way with the information we have inside and we find it difficult to express. The process of mind mapping forces us to stay with what is important and delve deeper into each idea. It is also ideal to establish our priorities and solve problems, since you can see all the edges of the phenomenon.

It is also a useful tool for the coach himself. A way to plan and organize your programs, or the information you are acquiring with your client. It can be a way to jointly create action plans, define objectives, develop ideas. In short, take advantage of its visual potential to better understand each other and save time.

It can also be done in conjunction with other tools, for example the SWOT matrix. To deepen the analysis of any of the identified variables, whether it is a weakness, threat, strength or opportunity.

It is very much in tune with one of the objectives of coaching to develop our capabilities and perform better. To generate ideas is to generate new connections.

How do you make a mind map?

Perhaps reading this you realize that you already make your maps. Whether you have a lot of ideas, or you are blocked, or you want to get organized, a common solution is to get it down on paper. Just getting that information out somehow calms you down. What predominates in representing your thoughts: words, pictures, drawings, scribbles? How do you organize them: in lists, by category, hierarchically, arbitrarily?

Depending on how your mind works it will be easier or more difficult, at least at the beginning, to elaborate your mind maps. But the main thing is to let yourself go through the process and practice.

Types of diagrams: Mind maps can take different forms, among the best known are spider, circular, tree or jellyfish, honeycomb and rainbow diagrams.

Content: The main theme or idea goes in the center of the diagram and extends, creating branches with related elements or sub-themes. These will serve to define, explain, complement and expand the main theme and will be developed little by little with different levels to deepen the content.

To break the ice you can use the omnipresent questions when approaching the topic: what, why, who, when, where and how.

Design: To identify and relate the content to each other use different resources of your choice: words, symbols, colors, drawings, notes, images, documents, even videos (if you do it digitally). You can place them alternately as you see fit.

As their elaboration is personal, i.e. subjective, it is difficult for someone who is not involved in their creation to understand their content 100%. Especially when words are used to summarize conc