Solving problems graphically
Businesses, especially white collar businesses, are all about "processes and information" (thank you Michael Dortch). But what do you do when you find yourself looking at the same processes and the same information and can't improve your results? Try looking at things in a new way, graphically, using tools such as MindManager or TheBrain.
A "mind map" organizes ideas, topics, tasks, random thoughts, solutions and relationships to other information in a new, graphical format. Early mind maps were done on paper or whiteboards. Now we have applications that take all the advantages of the paper and whiteboard mind maps and add a range of extra features, such as linking to documents and Web sites outside the map.
Basic mind maps might look like a couple of outlines on either side of a central idea, but modern ones look like anything you want. However they look, they look new and interesting enough to kick start people into approaching problems from different angles.
The self-acknowledged leader in mind mapping software, MindJet, has expanded its flagship MindManager product to the Web for better collaboration. The company's MindManager8 desktop version sells for $349 for a perpetual license, and works with the Web standalone product available for $10 per user per month (usual volume discounts apply). The company added Mindjet Connect to take interactive mind mapping meetings down the same road WebEx took PowerPoint: multiple people can view the same map at the same time. Even better, mind maps are now as shareable and public as any online collaboration workspace.
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MindMapping and Coloring Outside the Lines
I agree that IT professionals need to stop "looking in their rear view mirrors and start looking through their windshields" to see what is coming down the road in their profession. Mind mapping is NOT a new idea and it IS the brainchild of Tony Buzan. The software is new but the concept was developed by Tony years ago. It is a great way to organize one's thoughts and look at things from a different perspective. Remember, it's OK to Color Outside the Lines, as long as you don't fall off the page!Jeff Tobe
Best Selling Author:
Coloring Outside the Lines...Business Thoughts on Creativity!
www.ColoringOutsideTheLines.com