February 17, 2020 (Updated March 7th, 2023)
Leadership mind map with Justin Miles
“Mind maps break down the most complex of problems into core components. That’s why it works so well for businesses where there are usually multiple factors to take into consideration. With mind maps, you can add layers, importance, details and consider tangents and consequences in greater depth.”
In this guest post, we’re speaking again with Justin Miles, a professional explorer who uses his expedition experiences as a backdrop for his work in the corporate arena where he is a management consultant, specialising in organisational behaviour and marketing communications.
“When I’m not actually on an expedition to some far-flung corner of the globe I work with clients to develop the knowledge and skills of aspiring, new and established leaders and to develop high performance teams.”
Justin’s mind maps for leadership
Mind mapping techniques underpin much of Justin’s life and he uses them to help him with everything from planning his expeditions to writing books, delivering seminars and in his work as a consultant.
“One of the great features of mind mapping is that the techniques are so versatile. I’m just as reliant on using mind maps to examine team performance issues sat in an office in London, as I am planning my next book whilst huddled in a tent on the frozen Arctic Ocean two and a half thousand miles from home.”
Mind mapping for examining leadership challenges
Justin uses mind mapping techniques when he’s working with clients to examine leadership challenges in their organisations.
“When I’m working with a client, I turn to mind maps as a way of providing a visual anchor as we discuss and explore leadership challenges within an organisation. Many of my clients have quite complex structures, so we use mind maps to explore different areas of business, the challenges in each, to identify common denominators. From there build a scenario which leads on to higher levels of performance.”
“When I’m delivering a training session or seminar on leadership development, I always use mind maps. They give me a brilliant visual anchor and to encourage audience participation.”
“Mind maps break down the most complex of problems into core components. That’s why it works so well for businesses where there are usually multiple factors to take into consideration. With mind maps, you can add layers, importance, details and consider tangents and consequences in greater depth”. Mind mapping techniques are a useful training aid and visual attachment for seminars.
“As an example I use leadership mind maps to explore the various leadership styles, focusing on each one in turn and analysing everything about it. I then spring back to look at how different leadership styles can affect the bigger picture of company performance.”
“Delegates enjoy the level of interactivity with creating a mind map and it gives them a vehicle and the freedom to explore their thoughts whilst maintaining focus.”
Next steps for justin
It wouldn’t be a fulfilling post about an explorer if we didn’t mention his recent and planned expeditions.
After an expedition to the North Pole went and resulted in him being flown home for emergency surgery, Justin went on to lead a ten person team on an expedition to take paddleboarding to the Arctic in August 2013. He’s had many adventures since then, and you can read more about them on Just for the Challenge
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