These Idea Maps make 20 examples in this experiment (initiated by Dr. Tim Schweizer in the fall of 2009) following students at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. The October 23, 2009 posting first introduced this series and  and the October 28, 2009 post puts this experiment in context. Read those postings for background or search on “Luther College” in this blog for other examples.

Today’s idea mapping examples come from students Kara Schrapp (top) and Ryan Fett who both provided their reflections on the book Squirrel Inc.: A Fable of Leadership through Storytelling by Stephen Denning in the form of an idea map. Here are Kara’s thoughts about Idea Mapping:

“Idea Mapping wasn’t a hard concept to pick up and do when I’m told to. However, it is a lot harder for me to actually practice it outside of specified homework situations. I have been taking notes one way for so long and have worked hard on perfecting that skill so that switching is difficult. Even though I can see how a mind map would be more organized because it isn’t a list of words I don’t feel like it is more organized, and when taking notes the appearance of them is oddly something that matters to me. Yet even though I don’t mind map on my own time learning the skill has helped me when I am reading material for my classes because I think of it in a way of “how would I mind map this?” which allows me to group information together and find the key points more efficiently than I have in the past even if in the end I still write out my notes on my lined paper.”

Here are Ryan’s thoughts about Idea Mapping:

“Initially I really didn’t like the whole idea of idea mapping.  The first few maps I did were really disheartening due to my lack of any artistic abilities whatsoever.  After the last few that I have done, however, I think I am getting the hang of it!  They really do work better for organizing your ideas and notes on paper, but I feel like they will take a lot of practice and application to get used to using them in your everyday life.”

The next two idea maps come from students Bethany Aschim (The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries and Jack Trout) and Katie Goodroad (The Black Swan by Nassim Taleb). Here are Bethany’s thoughts about Idea Mapping:

“I really like the whole idea concept of idea mapping, it’s really nice to be able to be creative while taking notes and brainstorming. It was really easy to learn with just the few chapters that we read. It really nice to organize things that I need to do during the week and take notes during a class. I also like that its easy to go back and add small things later, whereas in a regular list of notes there isn’t room to go back and put things in without it being messy.”

Here are Katie’s thoughts about Idea Mapping:

“Mind mapping was challenging for me becase my mind would move to quickly to beable to keep up wtih changing colors and knowing whether to create a different branch. I did like the freedomof being able to let my mind wonder and come up with ideas, but sometimes my mind would wonder to fast.”

Thanks to all who shared their examples!

Remember: If you are a project manager and have either considered taking the PMP exam, are in the process of studying for it, have passed the exam, or gave up on the whole process — this is your chance to share your experience in this survey which takes less than 10 minutes. As a “thank you” please enter the drawing for free Amazon gift cards or an autographed copy of Idea Mapping by Jamie Nast. Full story here.

Tonight is opening night for “Annie”. I’m playing the role of Miss Hannigan. Detroit’s own Chuck Gaidica from Channel 4 weather is also part of the cast. Show dates, times, and ticket information can be found here. We’ve pre-sold over 1,000 tickets so far, so be there early to get tickets if you don’t have them already. Seats are unassigned, so first come first serve to see these rotten orphans!

On February 16, 2010 I shared the first posting,  February 25, 2010 the second posting, and February 27, 2010 the third posting about the first group of professionals to attend the Idea Mapping Workshop in the Middle East. This event was held in Amman, Jordan and organized by Forward Training and Consulting LLC. Here are a few more photos from the training.

First Photo: Working on one of their Idea Mapping activities.

Second Photo: After returning back to work Mervat Salman attended a 4-hour meeting where she captured all the information into an Idea Map. It was her first time using MindManager software, so she trained herself on the software at the same time. Mervat’s Idea Map is #218 shared on this blog.

Third Photo: Participants share their Idea Maps with a partner after each activity.

Final Photo: Mervat also shared her portrait drawing that she finished after the Idea Mapping Workshop.

The workshop was so successful that we have already scheduled the next training for May 9-10, 2010 in Amman. We don’t have the new flyer updated yet, but you can see all the same details here.  If you want to register now you can call +(962-6) 4611277 or send an email to Idea@FWDTC.com. We are limited to 42 seats.

On February 16, 2010 I shared the first posting and February 25, 2010 the second posting about the first group of professionals to attend the Idea Mapping Workshop in the Middle East. This event was held in Amman, Jordan and organized by Forward Training and Consulting LLC. Here are a few more photos from the training.

First photo: Meet the Forward Training Team (Safa, Myself, Suhail, and Marianna).

Second photo: Participants share their Idea Maps with a partner after each activity.

Third photo: One of the participants’ portrait drawings from an activity they do in the workshop. You can see that the right half of the portrait has been completed. The left half is the original photocopy.

Fourth photo: Working on one of their Idea Mapping activities.

Final photo: Just being silly and enjoying the toys we bring to the training. Gayana is an outstanding teacher and Ala’a owns Elixir Day Spa.

The workshop was so successful that we have already scheduled the next training for May 9-10, 2010 in Amman. We don’t have the new flyer updated yet, but you can see all the same details here.  If you want to register now you can call +(962-6) 4611277 or send an email to Idea@FWDTC.com. We are limited to 42 seats.

On February 16, 2010 I shared the first posting about the first group of professionals to attend the Idea Mapping Workshop in the Middle East. You can visit that posting to find out the various companies that were represented. This event was held in Amman, Jordan and organized by Forward Training and Consulting LLC. Today I thought I would share a few more photos from the training.

The top photo shows us in the process of setting up the workshop. There are so many details and materials for this event and it was the first time for Forward Training to be involved in setting up that I think it took 4 of us nearly 3.5 hours to get it just like we wanted it.

The next picture shows one of the participants’ portrait drawings from an activity they do in the workshop. Next is one of the groups working on their Idea Maps, followed by a picture of Cynthia and Aalaa’ sharing their Idea Maps. The final picture shows a packed room of participants sharing, laughing, and learning.

The workshop was so successful that we have already scheduled the next training for May 9-10, 2010 in Amman. We don’t have the new flyer updated yet, but you can see all the same details here.  If you want to register now you can call +(962-6) 4611277 or send an email to Idea@FWDTC.com. We are limited to 42 seats.

Teams of people from the following companies were in attendance:  Zain, Ahli Bank, King Hussain Cancer Center, ETQ, IHPCO, Idea JWT, Jordan International School, Smart Minds, Petralip, UNDP, Kettaneh, Elixir Day Spa, Lebanese Conflict Resolution Network, and Dana Productions.

Here are a few photos from the workshop. More to come in follow-up postings!

These Idea Maps are the 15th and 16th examples in this school year’s experiment (initiated by Dr. Tim Schweizer) following students at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. The October 23, 2009 posting first introduced this series and  and the October 28, 2009 post puts this experiment in context. Read those postings for background or search on “Luther College” in this blog for other examples.

Today’s idea mapping examples come from students Abby Leutzinger (top) and an unknown author who both provided their reflections on the book Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie in the form of an idea map. Here are Abby’s thoughts about Idea Mapping:

“When first introduced to Idea Mapping, I had a difficult time with it. While I loved that I didn’t have to work in any particular order (as that is how my mind works anyway–all over the place) I struggled with wanting the map to be perfect and concise at my first attempt. It was a challenge for me not to throw out an Idea Map as soon as  I messed up by making it too crowded, scribbling words out, disliking something I had written, etc. However, after I came to terms with the fact that mind mapping is a skill that improves with practice, I’ve really started to enjoy it and I find it very useful as it allows me to take notes in a way that suits my own personal thought process.”

Thank you to Abby and the unknown Luther College student for sharing your examples.

Remember: If you are a project manager and have either considered taking the PMP exam, are in the process of studying for it, have passed the exam, or gave up on the whole process — this is your chance to share your experience in this survey which takes less than 10 minutes. As a “thank you” please enter the drawing for free Amazon gift cards or an autographed copy of Idea Mapping by Jamie Nast. Full story here.

I love to watch statistical trends, and this is one I’ve been monitoring over the last few months. The Idea Mapping book was translated and released in August of 2008 by Russian publisher EKSMO.

Over the last few months the number of unique visits to my website and blog from Russia have been the highest number of visits from any other country — especially the website. I have no explanation for this, but sure would like to hear from any fellow Russian Idea Mappers. Send along one of your idea maps and I’ll post it on this blog!

Here is the link to purchase the Russian translation if you are interested.

In 2009 Oak Pointe Church (OPC) produced Godspell. The proceeds went to Active Faith which is a community service organization that works to improve the quality of life for low-income households. The show was such a success that the directors decided to make this an annual event and call us the Oak Pointe Players.

The 2010 production is “Annie”, and I am privileged to be part of the cast again this year. This time the proceeds will go to Living Hope International (LHI). LHI is a Christian non-profit organization in Novi, Michigan building orphanages in Zambia, Africa.

Show dates and times are March 5, 2010 at 7:30pm; March 6, 2010 at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. Cost is $10 per person. Tickets are now available by calling 248.912.0043. Put these dates on your calendar!

Hope you enjoy a sneak peek at several photos. The top photo features Annie & Daddy Warbucks, next  are the orphans, third shot is Lilly, Rooster, and Miss Hannigan (me…can you believe how hidious I look?), Miss Hannigan and brother Rooster Hannigan (played by fellow Purdue Boilermaker Mike Franklin), and finally the full cast photo. Even our own Channel 4 Chuck Gaidica has a role in the show along with his daughter who plays Annie.

The entire cast of Oak Pointe Players and musicians are extremely gifted. Some of the girls playing the orphans are only 6 years old, and you will be amazed at their talent.

June 15-16, 2010 will be the dates of the first Idea Mapping (mind mapping) Workshop in the quaint village of Parike, Belgium which is about 40 km from Brussels. Long time mind mapper Johan D’Haeseleer will be the host of this event. You can register for this course by emailing Johan at johan@newshoestoday.com or call him at +32 479 201 726.

The venue will be held at the Leerhof.  For people who want to stay at the Leerhof they can book a room through info@leerhof.be. A shuttle for people who want to come by train can be arranged from Geraardsbergen or Brakel.

The fee for this special workshop will be 650 Euro for the 2 days. People who register prior to May 1, 2010 will receive a discount of 11%. Johan is building a special web page with more details. I look forward to seeing you in Belgium!