Mind Mapping: A Systems Thinking Application for Change Management

Facilitated by:

Mieko A. Ozeki, Sustainability Projects Coordinator

Jenna Ringelheim, National Program Director

Overview of Workshop

01. Presentationa. The Challenge of Change Management

b. Introduction to Strategic Mind Mapping and Applicable Frameworks

c. Example: Mapping a Strategy for UVM’s Beverage System and Banning Bottled Water

02. Mind-mapping activity

03. Resources & Workshop Feedback

Time AllotmentIntroduction

( 30-mins)

Mind-Mapping Activity & Design Thinking

(2.5-hours)

Closing (30-mins)

Workshop Outcomes

01. Practice the application of system thinking, design thinking, and project management frameworks via mind mapping & stakeholder mapping.

02. Develop a strategic mind map with a 30,000 foot perspective on an issue you are working on at your institution/organization.

03. Walk out with a starter “playbook” for addressing specific issues and stakeholder relationships.

04. Add a skill to your facilitation tool kit.

Your participation in this workshop will help you walk out with new tools for your sustainability tool box. It also requires….

“A positive mental attitude unblocks the mind, increases the probability of making spontaneous connections, relaxes the body, improves perception, and creates a general expectation of positive results.”

- Tony Buzan

Where DO I

Begin?

Strategic Mapping of Issues and Relationships

• The intent is to look at issues, problems, campaigns, relationships, etc. from 30,000 foot view by identifying opportunities, barriers, key stakeholders, etc. through the process of mindmapping. Also called network mapping, idea mapping, concept mapping.

• Mindmapping is the process of visually presenting information via a diagram.

• Mindmapping is a tool for applying the frameworks of systems thinking, design thinking, and project management.

Applicable Frameworks of Mind Mapping & Stakeholder Mapping

Systems Thinking

A holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a system's

constituent parts interrelate and how

systems work over time and within the context of

larger systems.*

What? Who?

Design Thinking

A formal method for practical, creative

resolution of problems or issues with the intent of an improved future

result.

How?

Project Management

The application of knowledge, skills and techniques to execute

projects effectively and efficiently.*

What is the scope?When?

Mind Mapping Stakeholder Mapping

Example: Bottled Water Ban @UVM

Example: Hydration Hydra Map Translated into a To-Do List

Mind Mapping Activity

01. Each person will share their pressing issue, problem, etc. he/she are about to or currently engaged in their institution/organization.

02. Be specific about the issue you want to address.

03. Summarize the issue into a single word or succinct term. Write it down on the 4x6 Post-it note.

Getting Started

Step 1: Identifying the Parts of the System

01. Put your single word, 4x6 Post-it note, in the center of your map workspace. (Note: Your workspace can be at a table or wall)

02. Discuss with your partner the issue: identifying what and who is or could be involved.

03. Your partner will listen and write on 3x3 Post-it Notes a phrase, opportunity, relationship they hear as you work through the problem. One term per note.

Systems Thinking

What? Who?

Step 2a: Construct your mindmap- Connecting the what

Start to put together a rough draft ofa map: 01. 4x6 Post-it = Center Node02. 3x3 Post-it = Associated Nodes

Systems Thinking

&

Concept Mapping

What?

= Node, a concept associated with central issue.

= Branch, connects one node related to another node.

“A system is more than the sum of its parts. It may exhibit adaptive, dynamic, goal-seeking, self-preserving, and sometimes evolutionary behavior.”

-Donella Meadows

Step 2b: Assess & Plot Stakeholders-Understanding the who

Systems Thinking

&

Stakeholder Assessment Mapping

Who is or could be involved?

High Influence

Low Influence

Low

Su

pp

ort H

igh S

up

port

Who are the gatekeepers?High Influence

Low Influence

Low

Su

pp

ort H

igh S

up

port

Step 2b: Assess & Plot Stakeholders-Understanding the who

Systems Thinking

&

Stakeholder Assessment Mapping

Who is or could be involved?

High Influence

Low Influence

Low

Su

pp

ort H

igh S

up

port

Potential Challenger

KeyAlly

Potential Ally

Marginal Player

Step 3: Draft scope

● Look at your system and write a scope statement on the center node (4x6 Post-it Note)

● The scope statement details the deliverables and describes the major objectives. The objectives should include measurable success criteria for the initiative.

Project Management

What is the scope?

Step 5: Kickstart a design thinking process - Identify the (potential) how

Design Thinking

1. Define the problem

2. Create and consider many options

3. Refine selected direction.

3.5 Repeat

4. Pick the winner & execute.

How?

01. 5-6 participants go to the table they are interested in brainstorming solutions for.

02. Pick a winner and draft some action steps for when you return to your institution/organization.

Source: http://createdu.org/

Share

01. Restate the issue/problem and the scope.

02. Share solutions that came up during the group brainstorm.a. Green light = solutions you

can start on this weekb. Delight = a fun solutionc. Ignite = a game changer

solution

03. Share your draft action steps and tasks.

Record your maps

• Draw out the map you developed.

• You can take your map and draft it on a program such as Mindjet Mind Manager, Mindnode, or other online software.

Mindjet® MindmanagerMindnode

References

Systems Thinking Design Thinking Project Management

References

Mind mapping Idea mapping Problem Solving with pictures

Take a picture of your map

Please take your maps

to campus

Take Gallery Walk