Mind maps can be used to help make difficult decisions easier. Mind maps use both the creative and analytical parts of the brain and are a great tool for exploring options.
Decisions are often difficult because it can be hard to consider alternative perspectives and the four coaching questions below can help explore these different perspectives. Using a mind map and the coaching questions together creates a simple tool with powerful possibilities.
How to Mind Map
A short reminder of how to mind map:
- Start with a large piece of paper (used landscape direction) or mind mapping software;
- In the middle, draw or write down the decision to be made, or the state to be achieved (e.g. "Should I take the new job?" or "Become a Writer");
- Connect ideas to the central decision or to another idea;
- Use pictures and colors if possible;
- Put all thoughts on the map - whatever comes up, no rules.
Four Coaching Questions to Aid Decision Making
Ask and carefully consider each of the questions below, then draw or write the answers on the mind map. If no answers occur immediately, think for a little longer then move on. Make sure all questions are answered, they may seem the same at first glance, but they will generate different answers.
Ask these questions:
- What will happen if you do do this? Imagine a time when the decision has been made. For example, "I have taken the new job". What is it like? What are the consequences – to yourself and to other people?
- What will happen if you do not do this? Again, imagine a time when the decision has been made. For example, "I have turned down the new job". What is it like? What are the consequences – to yourself and other people?
- What will not happen if you do this? Imagine that the decision has been made. For example, "I have taken the new job". What has not happened because the job was accepted?
- What will not happen if you do not do this? Again, the decision has been made. For example, "I have turned down the new job". What has not happened because this action was taken? Think very carefully about this question – it can be a difficult question to answer but the answers will be worthwhile.
These questions are proven to help everyone explore any decision from different perspectives.
Analyze Results and Make The Difficult Decision Easier
Once different perspectives have been considered in this way, it will be easier to look at the decision in a wider context and it is this broader view which aids decision making.
Review the mind map weighing up the alternatives and make the decision.
Difficult decisions can be made easier by using the technique of mind mapping. Answering four coaching questions can help everyone explore a decision from different perspectives. Together, these combine to make a difficult decision easier.
Dawn Brewer - I have a portfolio career - as a writer, management consultant, instructor and coach - after twenty years in the corporate world. My ...
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