Hopefully you applied the information from the previous article and you now know much better where you are going and what you can do in life.
This article will expand on that, making it easier to share information in a group. Today we have a look at clear information transfer between you and other.
One of the most heard remarks on mind mapping I get in groups is that it is very difficult to understand exactly what another person means with a map. People create a map based on their thoughts, insights and feelings. Then they share this map… and nobody understands exactly what you mean.
Fortunately, this is also happening when people write (long) pieces of text. The advantage of mindmaps is that they probably use less words. This makes it easier to get to the bottom of the information… maybe…
Since you can use less words, and different people may have different associations with the same word, this may create a problem.
What I normally do when I share a mindmap is the following:
1. Create a map and make sure you use words THE OTHER PERSON uses and understands.
Doing this helps the others in understanding the content. This is probably too obvious for you. After all, you create a map for someone else, so why should you use your own perspective and words…
During the training, I often compare this with a sales person selling audio equipment. He knows a lot about this field. Do you think he should tell the customer who just wants to listen to some music what the most advanced speakers are? And how you can fine tune the tuner the best possible way?
Of course not!
The customer just wants to get a good (or average) tuner with some speakers. They should probably be easy to use in the first place.
The sales person needs to step into the mind of the customer. When he does that, he will make the sale much easier than if he sells from his own perspective.
Now you should do the same: create mindmaps which your client/customer/co-worker shows what you mean. Use their words. Use their colors. Use their understanding.
2. Explain what you mean!
When you create a map for a person who you know little of, you probably want to guide them through the map. Do this at least once. After you did that, you ask them if they have any questions. You make sure your map is understood. You may even want to edit the map to show more of the words the other party uses.
When you use this two step approach to information transfer via mind mapping in a group (create map from their perspective & explain) you can transfer your information to individuals but also to groups easily.
When you are long gone your attendees will instantly understand what you mean with the map. This is even true when you were not able to create a map for each individual in the group.
A mindmap itself is normally a personal approach to information management (fancy words to say your mindmap shows you information you can use). The moment you explain your map to someone, the feelings and understanding of that topic are transferred from you to the other person.
When you are able to transfer your thoughts, insights and yes, even your feelings, you succeeded. The other person understands you.
To conclude:
Make sure that when you want to let someone else understand what you mean, you use their words and colors. In a way, you mimic their mind (map) on paper. I can guarantee you that you will be more successful than you ever were when you learn how to do this.
Use and perfect this for yourself starting today. You deserve it!
Arjen
P.S.: Here’s a secret that you should know and understand by now: When you practice this technique with mindmaps, you will in time be able to do this again in your own mind as well. There will be no need to use a mindmap anymore. You have almost direct access to the thoughts of the person you speak with. This does take a lot of practice!
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