Mind Mapping

Challenge: An alternative energy company that sells and installs solar panels decides to build a  solar farm of its own. The company decided to use a group of managers to plan, execute and  manage the project. The challenge is that each manager is head strong and has their own  approach of how this project should be planned, executed and managed. To get each manager on  the same page gives the project leader, myself, the heaviest task of all. The project is based on  building a solar farm. The company expects to operate solely on this source of energy. The  project leader (me) needs to find an inclusive way forward to have a synchronized flow from the  beginning which starts with the planning to completion of the project.

Selection: The tool I have decided to use for this challenge is Mind mapping. Mind mapping is a  method used for numerous problem solving. It allows an individual or a group to identify, link,  breakdown, analyze and create solutions to a matter of interest. This method was chosen because  I can relate to this method in a real life basis in my department and it can be seen as the most  applicable method to creatively combine ideas for numerous persons. According to the last  lecture video in week 3, mind mapping is a creative way to put together your thoughts.

Application: Mind mapping was used to brainstorm all ideas stemming from the common  challenge of completing the solar farm project. Each manager was asked to state their ideas on  the plan, the execution and the management of the project. Three mind maps were created, one  for the proposed plan, one for the execution and one for management of the project. Then  through much discussion and amendments using the mind maps a unanimous way forward was  decided upon.

Insight: This method enabled me to see how a mind map can be used to synchronize more than  one approaches to overcome a challenge. It showed me how presenting ideas visually can make  decision making easier.

Approach: One of the things I would have done differently was to get all the managers to  initially create their own mind map and then to combine each as a team, instead of using this  approach as a reactive one. I would have preferred to use it as a proactive approach. Hence it  would have eliminated the time wasted on trying to get everyone on the same page.


Mind Mapping Challenge : An alternative energy company that sells and installs solar panels decides to build a solar farm of its own . The company decided to use a group of managers to plan , execute and manage the project . The challenge is that each manager is head strong and has their own approach of how this project should be planned , executed and managed . To get each manager on the same page gives the project leader , myself , the heaviest task of all . The project is based on building a solar farm . The company expects to operate solely on this source of energy . The project leader ( me ) needs to find an inclusive way forward to have a synchronized flow from the beginning which starts with the planning to completion of the project . Selection : The tool I have decided to use for this challenge is Mind mapping . Mind mapping is a method used for numerous problem solving . It allows an individual or a group to identify , link , breakdown , analyze and create solutions to a matter of interest . This method was chosen because I can relate to this method in a real life basis in my department and it can be seen as the most applicable method to creatively combine ideas for numerous persons . According to the last lecture video in week 3 , mind mapping is a creative way to put together your thoughts . Application : Mind mapping was used to brainstorm all ideas stemming from the common challenge of completing the solar farm project . Each manager was asked to state their ideas on the plan , the execution and the management of the project . Three mind maps were created , one for the proposed plan , one for the execution and one for management of the project . Then through much discussion and amendments using the mind maps a unanimous way forward was decided upon . Insight : This method enabled me to see how a mind map can be used to synchronize more than one approaches to overcome a challenge . It showed me how presenting ideas visually can make decision making easier . Approach : One of the things I would have done differently was to get all the managers to initially create their own mind map and then to combine each as a team , instead of using this approach as a reactive one . I would have preferred to use it as a proactive approach . Hence it would have eliminated the time wasted on trying to get everyone on the same page .