This document provides an overview of a workshop on using mind mapping for change management. The workshop introduces mind mapping as a tool to visualize systems and strategize approaches to issues through identifying stakeholders, opportunities, and relationships. It outlines the agenda which includes a presentation on mind mapping frameworks, a mind mapping activity, and feedback. The goals are for participants to practice applying systems thinking, design thinking, and project management with mind mapping and to develop strategic maps and plans to address issues in their organizations.

1. Mind Mapping: A Systems Thinking Application for
Change Management
Facilitated by:
Mieko A. Ozeki, Sustainability Projects Coordinator
Jenna Ringelheim, National Program Director

2. Overview of Workshop
01. Presentation
a. 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 Allotment
Introduction
( 30-mins)
Mind-Mapping Activity &
Design Thinking
(2.5-hours)
Closing (30-
mins)

3. 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.

4. 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

6. Where DO I
Begin?

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Example: Bottled Water Ban @UVM

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

11. Mind Mapping Activity

12. Getting Started
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.

13. 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?

14. Step 2a: Construct your mindmap-
Connecting the what
Start to put together a rough draft of
a map:
01. 4x6 Post-it = Center Node
02. 3x3 Post-it = Associated Nodes
Systems
Thinking
&
Concept Mapping
What?

15. = Node, a concept
associated with central
issue.
= Branch, connects
one node related to
another node.

16. “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

17. Step 2b: Assess & Plot Stakeholders-
Understanding the who
Systems
Thinking
&
Stakeholder
Assessment Mapping
Who is or could be
involved?
High Influence
Low Influence
Low Support
High Support

18. Who are the gatekeepers?
High Influence
Low Influence
Low Support
High Support

19. Step 2b: Assess & Plot Stakeholders-
Understanding the who
Systems
Thinking
&
Stakeholder
Assessment Mapping
Who is or could be
involved?
High Influence
Low Influence
Low Support
High Support
Potential
Challenger
Key
Ally
Potential
Ally
Marginal
Player

20. 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?

21. 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.

22. Source: http://createdu.org/

23. 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 week
b. Delight = a fun solution
c. Ignite = a game changer
solution
03. Share your draft action steps
and tasks.

24. Record your maps
Mindnode Mindjet® Mindmanager
• 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.

26. References
Systems Thinking Design Thinking Project Management

27. References
Mind mapping Idea mapping Problem Solving with
pictures

28. Take a picture of your map

29. Please take your maps
to campus

30. Take Gallery Walk