Vergaderingen: tips

I was trying to get hold of the project manager. Or rather he was trying to get hold of me. However, I had tried 3 times already so I sent him an email knowing it would sink to the bottom of the pile. I got to thinking that it wasn’t just this project manager who always seemed to be in meetings. Several people I have been trying to get hold of always seem to be in back to back meetings. Project Agency has been collecting statistics for several years. One of the questions is quite revealing: ‘Project meetings are collaborative events which look at achievements not past failures’. The percentages are shown below:
Strongly agree: 1.3%
Agree: 25.6%
Disagree: 57.3%
Strongly Disagree 12.6%
Don’t know 3.2%

Not very good stats are they? Interesting that just over 3% do not know how effective their meetings are!! So, what can be done?

Well, here are some golden rules for project management meetings (and meetings in general):

Rule 1: Ensure you have the right people there. May seem obvious but how many meetings go ahead with the wrong people there and the right people ‘on the way’ or a key stakeholder not even invited?

Rule 2: Have an agenda for each meeting and against each item put a time (the length of time the item will take). Ensure you stick to the stated time.

Rule 3: Have a clear objective. Is it to receive a highlight report, or to prepare a highlight report. Is it to review project progress based on milestones, or develop part of your plan, or all of these! If you go off agenda / objective here is a quick tip. Everyone is given a coloured card (any colour as long as they are the same). If a person goes off the agenda or is rambling on you put up your card. It works….try it!

Rule 4: Summarise before moving on to the next point. This ensures everyone is clear about what has been agreed or said

Rule 5: Have a stand up meeting! Yes, stand up meetings i.e. NO chairs – speeds up the meeting & really does focus attention.

Rule 6: Papers…..we are supposedly in the era of a paperless office! Ensure the meeting is not bogged down with papers. Use highlight reports to cut down paper & speed up the meeting.

Rule 7: Rules….what rules have you agreed? I know of one person who said that if the start time for a meeting was 3pm then no one was allowed in after this time! What are your rules for your meetings and does everyone know about them. Useful to use your cards here (rule 3)

Rule 8: Train….yes you can train people to be better in meetings. Chairing a meeting, contributing via appropriate questions, listening, preparing an agenda, these are all areas a person can be trained and developed. And finally

(Rule 9) - review how successful your meetings have been. If you set out an hour and a half for a meeting and it has only lasted an hour then you should be saying well done (provided the meeting met its objective). If it lasted 2 hours then you should review why to stop it happening again. Help make sure your meetings go well AND help make the scores above better, much better!!

Mindmap

Mindmappen wat is dit? En waarom kan me dit helpen bij het uitvoeren van projectmanagement?

Mindmappen is het visueel op papier zetten van je gedachten.

Diverse software is beschikbaar. Hierbij is er onderscheid te masken in online (webbased) applicaties of lokaal geinstalleerde software.

Geinstalleerde software
Mindgenius mindmanager.
Software die uitvoer van de mindmaps naar allerlei soorten software mogelijk maakt door middel van een klik op een button. Zelf gebruik ik deze zeer veel. Heb een portable versie weten te scoren hiervan waarmee ik ten alle tijden kan werken met de software!

Webbased opties
http://www.mindomo.com/
Online mindmappen bij minomo. Werkt erg prettig vind ik zelf. Heb er een aantal mindmaps lopen maar vind het zelf niet prettig dat iedereen deze kan zien. Alle functionaliteit die je echt nodig hebt zit erop en een stuk meer. Zeker een aanrader !


Aanvullingen volgen later !



Mind Mapping Resources, Tools, and Tips

So, there you are staring at that black sheet of paper again. Or perhaps it's a black Word document on your computer screen. Whichever it may be, it's obvious you're about to take notes for that big essay assignment or group project, and you're not too excited about getting started!
That's where a different kind of note taking comes in to play, one that is actually fun to do and will also help you to understand your notes better. It's a technique called mind mapping, and is based around a strong visual method of taking notes. Whether your using colorful markers and paper or using state-of-the-art computer software, you'll find using mind maps are a much more interesting way to take notes than you ever have in the past!
Free Software
Free Mind - the premier java-based mind mapping software known for its quick, one-click "fold/unfold" and "follow link" operations.
Wisemapping - "Visual Thinking Evolution", offering free web based mind maps you can share anywhere on the web.
Mindplan - mind mapping and project management combined with Lotus Notes.
Mindomo - an online mapping application offering both free and paid premium accounts.
Recall Plus - enhance your learning power with the downloadable software for free, or upgrade to Plus for full functionality.
MindMeister - collaborative online mind mapping with free basic, premium, and team plans.
Mapul - online mind mapping using Ajax and Silverlight web technologies.
DeepMehta - software combining open-source and interdisciplinary research for knowledge management.
bubbl.us - a simple and free application that allows users to brainstorm and share ideas online.
Mind42 - manage all your ideas in a collaborative, free browser based software solution.
Compendium - created by the Compendium Institute, with an open online forum for continued support.
Gliffy - easy, free, and fun way to draw and share diagrams on the web.
Wikka Wiki - a flexible and lightweight, php-driven wiki platform designed for speed and security.
IHMC Cmap Tools - designed to construct, share, and criticize mind and concept maps.
Semantik - a mind mapping tool designed for document generation, especially student reports and thesis.
Labyrinth - a lightweight mind mapping tool written in the Python programming language.
View Your Mind - a flexible tool used to generate and manipulate maps which show your thoughts
Mindraider a semantic web outliner, connecting the tradition of outline editors with emerging technologies.
Pimki a personal information manager loosely based on Instiki's Wiki technology.
Planfacile - software designed to help people organize complex ideas into coherent documents.
The Brain - over 65 features in a dynamic visual interface and information organizer.

Resources
Mindmapping.org - the most complete resource for mind mapping software on the internet, covering most freeware, open-source, and proprietary software.
iMindMap - unleash the other 99% of your brain using the power of the iMindMap.
About mind mapping - and basic introduction to the concepts and benefits if mind mapping.
Wikipedia on mind mapping - the usual Wiki-style treatment of the subject that you (and Google) as grown to love.
Mindtools - lots of articles and resources to develop excellent skills for an excellent career.
JCU Study Skills - an essay wring resource that discusses using mind maps in preparation.
Mind mapping training & resources - resources provided by Llumine training, the world's leading provider of Mind Mapping training for business.
Mind mapping strategies- get more done with less time, and turn your data into knowledge.
Mind mapping resource center - InnovationTools - Innovation, creativity and brainstorming resources from InnovationTools.
The Graphic Organizer - covers topics related to mind mapping including concept maps and graphic organizers.
Mind Map Options - resource that is the doorway to the mind map universe.

Professional Training
Visual Strategist - founded by Kyle McFarin to assist Entrepreneurs and Organizational Teams in Strategic Management.
MindMap Training - visual mapping and mind mapping training solutions to manage information and visualize your successes.
Blackbelt mind map training- become a trained black belt in the dark arts of mind mapping.

In the News
Mainstream Matters - insights and intelligence from the analysts of Freeform Dynamics.
Mind mapping on the iPhone - if you thought your iPhone was cool before, imagine what it will do once you have a mind map application?
Helping children learn with mind mapping - the sooner your kids learn the technique, imagine how much they be able to accomplish?
Mind mapping in meetings - Lifehacker shows you yet another method of increasing your productivity.
Makers of mind-mapping software visualize success - CNN Money covers the release of Mindjets' MindManger software.

Examples of Mind maps
Mind map template - a blank map to help get you started on your first ever mind map
Inconsistency of Laws Mindmap - example of a software generated mind map that's easy to read and digest.
Learning Power mind map - wonderfully illustrated map about how to build your "LP".
Motivation mind map - another example of different software mind map generation, with graphics.
Art & design mind map - beautifully hand drawn map related to art and design, a work of art in itself.
Banking Mindmap - mindmap about money and consumer information in a entertaining, comic-book style of illustration.
Mind mapping mind map - a very simple example of mind mapping that discusses the actual properties of the technique.
Relativity mind map - clean, basic map made with software that uses simple colors and shapes to get the points across.
Goals mind map - everyone should have one of these, if you plan on accomplishing anything in your lifetime.
Planning a party mind map - if you've never planned a party, it can be tougher than you think; keep this colorful map around for inspiration.
Peter Russell mind map - a mind map of the various teachings and techniques used by Peter Russell himself.
Tony Buzan mind map - a great map discussing the ins and outs of a specific book from the man himself, Tony Buzan.

Books
The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain's Unlimited Potential - written by Tony and Barry Buzan, it's THE book you'll want to pick up if you're new to mind mapping.
Mapping Inner Space: Learning and Teaching Visual Mapping - Nancy Marqulies and Nusa Maal discuss various concepts related to visual note taking.
Use Both Sides of Your Brain: New Mind-Mapping Techniques, Third Edition (Plume) - Buzan does it again with step-by step instructions of how to use the potential of your brain.
Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Success in Business - Jamie Nast explores using that hidden brain power to grow your business.
Mind Mapping: How to Liberate Your Natural Genius - Michael Gelb talks about how to organize your thoughts in such a way that is uniquely your own.

E-Books
Power Tips for Mind Mapping software - supercharge your visual mapping skills with these tips, tricks, and best practices.
How to select the right mind mapping software - how to select the right mind mapping software to meet your special needs.
Mind mapping power pack - the advanced course that will explode your mind mapping skills into new heights and help you reach the goals of your dreams.

Articles On the Web
Mind mapping for project management - Innovation Tools discusses using mind mapping in regards to project management.
Mind mapping at 43 Folders - open thread with over 60 responses about the usage of mind maps.
Guerilla Marketing with mind maps- Squidoo lens discussing the 10 best small business marketing tips.
Mind mapping software resources - another lens discussing the best collection of visual mapping sources.
Mind mapping in 8 easy steps - the Innovation Networks quick-start guide to mind mapping.
Comparison of mind mapping applications - check out the pros, cons, and differences of the top freeware mind mapping programs.
The best external monitor for Tablet PC mind mapping - eric mack online discusses monitors for hardcore computer mapping enthusiasts.
Three web-based mind mapping tools reviewed - Web Worker Daily reviews 3 of the top mapping applications.

PDF Articles
Mapping the Mind - a Google book about about the long dormant view of the nature of human thought.
Mind mapping for web instruction and learning - 12 page PDF from Franciscan University of Steubenville's Fabio Chacon, Ph.D.
Graphical Knowledge Display - 14 pages discussing the role mind mapping can play as efficient tools in mathematics education.

Blogs
The Mind mapping software weblog - designed to provide businesspeople with a focused collection of resources related to visual mapping.
Beyond Mind Mapping - how to get the most out of mind mapping software for business uses.
Erik Mack Online - the personal blog of Erick Mack, discussing learning and information management through new technologies.
Idea Mapping - training readers to be more creative, more productive, and to become better learners.
The Mindjet Blog - the official blog of Mindjet, the company responsible for the
The Underlying Blog - Kyle McFarlin's blog, a Visual Strategy Expert and Gyronix Certified trainer.
Mindmapping.org Blog- covering software for mind mapping and information organization.
Eric Blue's Blog - Eric Blue's thoughts on technology, philosophy, and personal development.
Activity Owner - a forum for sharing notes, discussion, and solutions using various mind mapping software applications.

People
Tony Buzan - Wikipedia bio of one of the biggest names and promoters of mind mapping and mental literacy.
Dr. Allan Collins - the history and sometimes controversy surrounding the man who created mind mapping.
Dilip Mukerjea - owner and managing director for the Buzan center, an organization dedicated to the advancement of mental literacy.
Joyce Wycoff - president of ThinkSmart Learning Systems and founder of the Innovation Network,
Nancy Margulies - creator of Mindscapes, a system that uses pictures, visual metaphors, symbols, color and the space on a page to create a graphic representation of ideas.
Peter Russell - covering Peter's topics of The Spirit of Now, of science, consciousness, spiritual wisdom, global brain, meditations, and the nature of reality.

Videos
Tony Buzan on Mind mapping - five minute video discussing how to maximize the power of your brain.
iMind Map Video Tutorial - a short four minute tutorial going over Buzan's iMind mind mapping software.
Mind mapping for your business - a power-point video on mind mapping; have a can of Red Bull before watching!
Mind mapping with Brenda Mckinney - video of a class presentation of mind mapping.
Stephen Pierce - business optimization specialist discusses mind mapping.
How to draw a mind map - breaking out the markers and drawing a mind map from scratch.

Noteworthy Paid Software
Gyronix - a system used in conjunction with Minjet's MindManager software for unit erupted productivity.
Mindjet - save time by visually capturing, organizing and communicating ideas and information effectively.
Concept Draw Mindmap - a business and personal productivity tool that provides versatile integration with MS Office.
Topicscape 3D - mind and concept mapping in 3D, available in both lite and pro editions.
Headcase - mind mapping application for Windows based heavily on ActiveX.
Inspiration - the essential tool for students to think, visualize, organize, and learn.
Nova Mind - "mind mapping at it's best", creating visually pleasing graphical mind maps.