“If the mind really is the finest computer, then there are a lot
of people out there who need to be rebooted.”
- Bryce’s Law
INTRODUCTION
In the world of writing there is something called “Writer’s Block” where the author
procrastinates on his work and is easily distracted. Hopefully, he overcomes
the problem and tackles his assignment. To do so, he needs to eliminate
distractions and engage his brain to the subject at hand. The same is true
in any endeavor, be it a carpenter, an engineer, or a programmer. The more we
can engage the brain, the more we can produce. The challenge therefore becomes
how to maximize the use of our brain. By brain power I am not referring to a
measurement of IQ, but rather to simply engage what God has given us.
LEVELS
I may not be a psychologist, but it has been my observation as a management
consultant that there is essentially three levels by which our brains operate:
LEVEL 1 – PRIMAL
This represents our basic instincts and reflex actions as we blunder through
life (I call this the “auto-pilot” mode). For example, we devise a morning
regimen where we awaken and prepare for work. At this level, we are not
at our most alert. Instead, we want to simply catch up on the news, brush
our teeth, dress, and travel to work. Similarly, at the end of the day, we
decelerate our activity as we prepare for sleep. In other words, we develop
predictable routines to go through day after day without much thought. The
brain is engaged, but far from our maximum output. In fact, we take in more
than we put out. This is where we want to be entertained or informed.
LEVEL 2 – MODERATE
This level represents an equal level of input and output. The brain is either
accelerating (at the beginning of the work day) or decelerating (at the end
of the work day). At this level we have no trouble taking instructions and
produce an average amount of work, quite often mundane or routine assignments
simply to pass the time of day. We are also easily distracted. In the normal
business day, Level 2 typically occurs between 9:00am – 10:00am (as the work
day begins), 12:00pm – 1:00pm (following lunch), and 4:00pm to 5:00pm (as
we prepare to conclude the work day).
LEVEL 3 – ACCELERATED
This level represents high achievement where we are able to concentrate
and put forth our best work effort. Here, the brain is fully engaged and our
output surpasses our input as we concentrate on the job at hand. In the
normal business day, Level 3 typically occurs between 10:00am – 12:00pm,
and 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
AVERAGE WORK DAY
Let us now consider how we use time during the average work day and
consider how much is used at the various levels. First, we will divide the
day into three equal increments of eight hours: Sleep, Work, and Personal Time.
REST – 8 HOURS
During this time, the brain is not truly engaged other than to maintain
bodily functions.
WORK – 8 HOURS
Based on studies we have performed on time management, we have
found most people in corporate offices to be approximately 70% effective,
meaning in an eight hour work day, they are spending about six hours on
direct work assignments, and two hours on indirect activities (time that
doesn’t contribute directly to their assignments; e.g., breaks, meetings,
taking instruction or direction, etc.)
PERSONAL TIME – 8 HOURS
This represents time where we perform pet projects and hobbies,
pay the bills, run errands, attend a function (such as a meeting),
relaxation, awake, prepare for sleep, etc. During this time we
typically spend two hours of concentrated work, and six hours of
indirect activities.
SHIFTING GEARS
This means in a typical work day, we only spend eight hours to really exercise
the brain (Levels 2 and 3). But from a manager’s perspective, we are primarily
concerned with the six hours devoted to work. During this time, people will
spend approximately three hours operating at Level 2 and three hours at
Level 3. This ratio between Levels 2 and 3 will fluctuate based on how well
the worker is able to engage the brain. Some people are able to engage their
brains at Level 3 for several hours, some for only an hour, and some not at all.
At this time we have to recognize that thinking is hard work. Although Level 3
is where we want employees to perform at, we must recognize that nobody can
keep it in high gear for an extended period of time. The brain grows weary and
moderates itself, shifting from Level 3 down to Level 2 or Level 1.
We must also beware of the “cattle phenomenon” whereby we fall into
the tedium of repetitive behavior and, as such, our brains do not progress
past Level 2. Consequently, repetition often leads to laziness.
“He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has
been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.”
- Albert Einstein
SOME RECOMMENDATIONS
It is the manager’s objective to keep employees operating at Level 3 for as long
as is practical, thereby producing the best and most voluminous work products. To do
so, the manager must minimize distractions, relieve tension, and maximize focus
on work (concentration). To this end, the manager should consider the following:
Use of Stimulants
No, I am not suggesting the use of narcotics in the work place, other than a
good strong cup of coffee (the rocket fuel of industry). However, you want to
create an environment that appeals to the human senses, specifically visual,
audio, touch, even smell. For example, a well lit and brightly painted room
stimulates human senses as opposed to a dark, dull, lackluster room. A
painting or office furnishings can add a touch of class and stress the disposition
of the office. A calm and quiet office, perhaps with some suitable background
music, can help people focus as opposed to a loud and boisterous environment.
Ergonomically designed office equipment can have a positive impact on employee
behavior. But be careful not to introduce too much comfort as it might put people
to sleep. To illustrate, I do not have a problem with hard chairs that force people
to sit up and pay attention.
Encourage mental gymnastics during the day. Perhaps some friendly debate
or the solving of a problem. It has long been known that puzzles, crosswords,
chess and checkers, and the like help stimulate the human brain. Simple, basic
social intercourse can work wonders in terms of stimulating the mind.
Consider room temperature; if too warm or too cold, it will become distracting.
But keep the room more cool than warm as it forces you to stay awake. Also
consider the amount of available oxygen which stimulates the brain.
Another area to review is nutrition. Make sure workers are eating the right
foods in the right amount. Large meals tend to put people to sleep immediately
afterwards.
Basic exercises can also enhance both physical and mental acuity. Many
companies now offer in-house facilities for such programs.
Understand this, employee breaks are not all bad. It gives the worker an
opportunity to get away from his work, clear his head, and return with a
better focus. Of course, there will be those employees who will abuse this
privilege and, because of this, the manager has to constantly monitor the
use of breaks.
Ultimately, the corporate culture has a profound effect on the stimulation
of workers. If the right environment is established, you can turn lethargic
workers into “movers and shackers.”
Motivate
It is necessary for the manager to encourage workers to rise to a challenge
and work harder. To this end, the manager must play the role of Industrial
Psychologist to understand what makes people tick, thereby providing the means
to motivate them to excel. This can be done with simple praise, rewards, and
recognition. It can also be done through constructive criticism. I have seen
instances where both a cheerleader approach and a tough taskmaster approach
have worked to positive effect. Some people respond to praise, others respond
better when their integrity is challenged. Here, the manager has to intuitively
know when and where to press the right buttons of his workers.
The manager needs to be able to create a sense of urgency, regardless of the
task at hand. This can be done either by carrot or by stick depending on the situation.
The worker must understand their work is important and adds value to their life.
If they feel their work is irrelevant, then their self-esteem will suffer and they
will put forth little effort to achieve anything. One way of implementing this is
to empower the workers and make them more personally responsible for their
actions and allow them to participate in the decision making process. By
creating a sense of ownership, the worker becomes more responsible (and active)
in their work effort.
Avoid Repetition
As indicated earlier, repetition can cause the brain to relax. Because of this,
the manager must consider ways to break up the monotony and cause the
workers to refocus. Work breaks can break up the tedium, perhaps with some brief
physical exercise thrown in. Scheduled breaks are effective but they too can face
the problem of repetition; e.g., workers work around anticipated breaks. In contrast,
unscheduled breaks often have a better effect as it disrupts worker expectations. Think
of it as a game of “Musical Chairs.”
Sometimes a simple change of scenery can help break up repetition. Instead
of meeting at the same place over and over again, try a different physical
venue to perk up worker interest.
Health
Regardless of how logical we believe we are, the brain is a physical organ
greatly influenced by human health. If we are sick or in distress (perhaps due
to the death of a loved one, a pending divorce, financial problems, etc.), it
is difficult to focus on our work. The manager should monitor worker
mental/physical health and take corrective action. For example, if someone
is sick, get them to a doctor so they can begin to mend and become productive
again. Further, the last thing you need is for someone to infect the rest of
your workers with a contagious disease (e.g., colds, flu, etc.).
The manager should also look for sleep deprivation in workers and counsel
them accordingly. A tired worker will not engage his brain properly. Further,
look for signs of drug abuse and depression that might have an adverse effect
on their work.
Minimize Distractions
One of the manager’s responsibilities is to monitor the surroundings of
the worker in order to minimize distractions and create a suitable environment
to concentrate on their work assignments. To assist in this regards, a Project
Management system is useful to record both direct and indirect activities. By
doing so, the manager can analyze the causes of worker distractions, plot
trends, and take appropriate action to minimize interference. For example,
if a manager detects excessive use of the telephone, he may devise a policy
to arrest the abuse. He may even go so far as to hold all outgoing calls.
The point is, the manager should constantly monitor and analyze
disruptions and distractions so that workers can concentrate on their
work effort.
Avoid Technology
A recent study was performed by Kings College in London for Hewlett
Packard, the purpose of which was to study the effect of technology
on worker performance. According to Dr. Glenn Wilson, the author of the study:
“Results showed clearly that technological distraction diminished IQ test performance
(mean scores dropped from 143.38 achieved under quiet conditions to 132.75 under
‘noisy’ conditions).”
“The impact of distraction was greater for males (145.50 down to 127) than for females
(141.25 down to 138.50). Putting that another way, males were superior in quiet conditions,
females were superior in the distraction condition. This is consistent with the idea that women
are better than men at ‘multi-tasking’.”
“Noisy conditions caused a striking increase in self-reported stress. Ratings on a 0-10 scale
of ‘stress experienced during the test’ increased from 2.75 to 5.5 for males and 4.75 to 6.75
for females. Note that in addition to the main effect of conditions of testing, women reported
higher stress levels than men overall.”
Basically, Wilson’s study is saying that excessive use of technology can
have an adverse effect on a person’s brain power. This is somewhat disturbing
as technology now permeates our society. As an example, while traveling through
the airports recently I observed the majority of my fellow travelers “tuned out” by
technology. The lion’s share of travelers today make active use of iPods, PDA’s,
cell phones, DVD & CD players, and laptop computers. It seems fewer and fewer
travelers read a book or engage in conversation anymore. In other words, most
travelers today are operating at a Level 2.
If Wilson is correct, and I believe he is, the manager should take notice of
this adverse effect of technology and discourage the use of such devices,
particularly at break time, and encourage more interpersonal contact
instead. Technology has its place, but I tend to believe we rely too heavily
on it. For example, using an automated calculator allows our brain to relax
while the machine performs the math. Too often I have seen people reach for a
calculator to perform a simple computation as opposed to working it out with
paper and pencil. They simply do not want to engage their brains. Further, I
have seen whole engineering departments come to a standstill when power
outages brought their computers down. Do they really lack the skills to continue their
work? Not really; their minds have simply been turned off by the technology.
CONCLUSION
The human brain distinguishes us from the rest of God’s creatures. It is
sad when we do not use it to its full potential. How the brain shifts
between Levels 1-2-3 is something we control ourselves. We can
elect to engage it and aspire to achieve, or not to engage it and
become lazy and complacent. It can also be engaged due to circumstances
and affected by others, such as our friends, family, fellow workers and
manager.
How a manager manipulates his worker’s brain power is analogous to
a mechanic fine-tuning an automobile. He is simply trying to get the
most out of it. Hopefully, we can give the mechanic something to work
with; if not, we’ll be scrapped.
“The more you use your brain, the more brain you will have to use.”
- George Dorsey
For additional information on the use of time, see the following
“PRIDE” Special Subject Bulletins:
No. 18 – Being ‘Effective’ with Project Scheduling – Apr 04, 2005
http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/ss050404.pdf
No. 17 – Taking the Mystery out of Estimating – Mar 28, 2005
http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/ss050328.pdf
Tim Bryce is the Managing Director of M. Bryce & Associates (MBA) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has 30 years of experience in the field. He is available for training and consulting on an international basis.
He can be contacted at: timb001@phmainstreet.com
Copyright
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 at
9:52 PM
In the past it was believed that your intelligence was something that was inherited or that it was a genetics thing. Although this is a possiblity it may not be a total truth. It is now believed that your intelligence can be determined by your environment, life experiences and your diet. So is there a brain food recipe that one can start eating to make them more intelligent?
Well I don’t know if there is a exact recipe but from my research on foods and supplements it continually amazes me how foods and supplements can actually stimulate chemical reactions or add natural chemicals into your body and affect you in amazing ways.
So can food actually have a positive or negative effect on your brain function and brain power?
Well the answer is Yes! Egyptians have long thought that fish was brain food. Well actually fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids and since the neurons in your brain are rich in omega 3 fatty acids adding fish or omega 3 into your diet does indeed give your brain a boost in its function. It has been found that eating fish helps to create a healthy emotional environment and a more balanced and positive mood.
Proteins are also a very good substance for the brain. Proteins such as chicken and beef contain tyrosine, an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and cells and may also help the neurotransmitter within your brain to send and receive signal and information. They can also assist one in handling stress and help the body maintain a balanced blood sugar level.
Food such as avocados, raisins, apples and nuts contain a substance called boron which has the potential to increase your memory and attention.
Choline which has also been proven to improve brain function can be found in such foods as eggs and milk. Fruits and vegetables are also extremely important in protecting your brain. Fruits and vegetables have a high degree of anti-oxidants which protect your cells and brain from free radicals which cause your cells to be damaged and age faster.
Blueberry and blackberry are especially good for your brain since they contain Anthocyanins which is the most powerful form of anti-oxidant.
Other fruits and vegetable that have been found to have a high amount of anti-oxidants are strawberries, cranberries spinach, raspberries, brussel sprouts, plums, broccoli, oranges, red grapes, red bell pepper, cherries and kiwis.
Probably the number one ingredient for proper brain function is water. Since your brain is 80% water it is imperative that one keeps themselves and their brain hydrated. Even a slightly dehydrated brain can raise the stress hormone in a person causing them to not have clarity of thought. Just observe people living in the desert in to summertime and see the stressful actions of people and one can see how dehydrated people are stressed.
There are also foods to avoid and foods that can actually slow down the brain function. Food which are high in sugar and simple carbohydrates which can give you an instantaneous surge of energy but then leave you in an daze.
It is also recommend not to consume food high is saturated fats. Sure your body needs fats, but it needs the good fats found in avocados, nuts and fish.
Also avoid eating heavy meals. It has been proven that reducing your calories will extend your life and the quality of you life. It is also a benefit for your brain function. The digestion process takes a lot of energy which in turn take the energy away from your brain functions.
So as you can see there is a brain food recipe. By eating the correct foods you can actually protect your brain and keep it healthy. You can also provide the added substances the brain needs to improve your memory, mood and the speed in which your brain functions.
Douglas is in pursuit of the complete life which beings with optimal health at the core and is the foundation for a great abundant life. Visit his site at
health to find other great resources to improve your health and all areas of your life
Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at
3:25 PM
Intellectually Better: Your Brainâs Physical Exercise
As you may have known, your brain works in a complicated manner. The left portion of your brain controls the actions and movement of the right part of your body while the right portion of your brain controls that movement of the left part of your body. Thus, it may be possible that the side of your brain which controls you dominant hand is more used than the other side. So, if you use your non-dominant hand into doing some of your daily activities, would it better your brainâs performance?
If you are a right handed person, then most of the time you are stimulating the left part of your brain. Now, if you use your left hand in doing certain tasks, then you are able to stimulate the right side of your brain as well. By doing so, you are awakening the part of your mental faculties that is intuitive and creative. On the other hand, if you are a left handed person, and you use you right hand in doing simple tasks, then you are stimulating the side of your brain that is rational and organized.
This idea is supported by Tony Buzan, the author of a book entitled Using Both Sides of the Brain. According to him, doing simple exercises or cross-trainings like this bring in additional features to oneâs mental functioning, and at the same time there will be a total improvement in oneâs brain power. By doing so continuously, a person may stay mentally young and fresh.
Other activities which can stimulate the other side of your brain may be done without really straining yourself. You can just simply walk around your room with your eyes shut close, or you can get dressed and strip of them with closed eyes. You can also revisit your childhood games; the game when you rub your stomach with one hand while your other hand is tapping your head is also a good brain exercise. Simple tasks like these already constitute physical exercise for your brain, and they can already bring good effects to your brain, no matter how trivial they may be.
So, you may start to wonder regarding the mental condition of those people who are blessed to be able to use both their hands for complicated tasks such as writing, or simply put the ambidextrous. You may think that since they are stimulating both sides of their brain that they are more intelligent than others. This is a misconception; there are no studies or researches which can attest to this idea.
There are people who are able to teach and train themselves to use both their dominant and non-dominant hands to do tasks, and sports like the cricket players. But their training does not necessarily turn them into academic geniuses; so perhaps, this is just too much to ask for.
So, whether or not these simple exercises may make you a little bit more intelligent, these physical exercises are still believed to have good effects on your brain. Academically, the results may just be minor, or even unnoticed, but there can be other aspects which are affected, such as your creativity, organization and other features. One thing worth noting is that by doing these exercises, you are stimulating the part of your brain which is not used as often as the other part. Donât you think it is always best to keep them balanced? If you want to better your brainâs performance, you might as well try to stimulate you whole brain, and not just a single portion.
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at
1:18 PM
It’s that obvious. No one has to tell you that pears are better than burritos when it comes to nutritional value and health benefits. But if you want to maintain or attain sharp brain power, choosing the right food should not be left to chance or to what seems to be plainly discernible.
Yes, it is true that food items such as vegetables and fruits, fish, poultry and olive oil can give your brain the amount of boost that it needs; but when you talk about brain food, you must be able to look beyond what is enumerated on the doctor’s to-buy list. Think of your brain as a machine, as such it needs fuel. But instead of losing your head about the brand of petrol, why not learn about the types of fuel that can make your brain or motor run.
Indeed, good nutrition is what you need to make your brain fit at all times. But the fact of the matter is that you do not need to rank the food that you buy according to how they will contribute to your brain’s health. No single food element can be better than others. As long as you know what kind of substances can be good for your brain, you will find it easy to shop for food and increase your brain power. Basically, the brain needs the three following nutrients to keep it sharp and alert no matter how old you are.
Proteins
Protein serves as the ignition key of your brain. It starts the whole engine ready for thinking mode and more. The neurotransmitters in your brain need a steady supply of essential amino acids for them to start communicating with other neurotransmitters, processing information, and building new brain cells.
To supply your brain with enough essential amino acids, you need to consume sufficient amounts of protein. Amino acids are the basic elements found in protein. Lean meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products are good sources of protein, but you might want to be careful with too much red meat as these can cause some health risks. To be safe, you can try acquiring protein from vegetables, beans and grains.
Fats
Brain is essentially a fatty tissue that weighs around three pounds. It is just fitting that it needs fat to make it function efficiently. But gorging on just any kind of fat will not make a genius out of you. Your brain needs the right kind of fat, which are Omega 6 and Omega 3 essential fatty acids.
Knowing this, it will be easy for you to understand why you need salmon and tuna. Or why your doctor recommends lots of nuts and seeds like walnuts, peanuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Knowing that your brain needs essential fatty acids and not just any fatty substance, you attain a broader view about one of the most important brain food that you need, and that’s without looking at a list.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are elements or substances that are beneficial for your brain, and overall health for that matter, as they can protect your cells from the harshness of oxidation. You see, the brain needs lots of oxygen for it to function, but the same oxygen molecules can damage the very brain cells that make use of them. Before you lose all your brain cells, you need to feed your brain with micronutrients like minerals and vitamins for it to withstand the effects of oxidation.
Antioxidant properties can be found in micronutrients that come from fruits and vegetables. Always choose green leafy vegetables and fruits that have bright colors. And never forget that organic produce is always the best.
Indeed, as you learn these three important fuels for your brain, you attain a deeper understanding about the needs of your brain. And this awareness goes beyond what is obvious or what is ordered by your doctor. If you can’t get your hands to these essential brain foods, you can supplement your diet with products like Neurovar to maintain or improve the fitness of your brain. Visit http://Neurovar.com/ for more information.
Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com.
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at
3:41 AM
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Monday, July 20th, 2009 at
2:44 PM
Unleashing the Power of Perceptual Change The Potential of Brain Based Teaching
Renate and Geoffrey Caine believe that education today is like Dr. Dolittle’s “Push me-Pull you” creature, with a head at each end, making it face two directions. One piece is moving forward, another wants to go back, and the middle feels the tension. That tension is what creates opportunities for new possibilities. In the new ASCD book Education on the Edge of Possibility, the Caines begin to explore those possibilities by detailing how they strived to bring their theory of learning to life in two schools. Their theory is based on a wholistic interpretation of brain research in which brain, mind, and body work together to form a dynamic unity.
Unleashing the Power of Perceptual Change continues their exploration by unveiling what the authors call perceptual orientations, differing views of reality that frame the ways people think about education and teaching. The Caines believe that unleashing genuine student potential requires educators with a particular outlook on reality. That outlook includes an appreciation for the interconnectedness of everything.
In the authors’ view, the key to successfully transforming education so that students guide their own learning lies in educators’ ability to transform themselves, to change their perceptual orientation. This book documents the voyage of exploration as the Caines watched teachers change from individuals who use traditional teaching and beliefs about learning to those who are at home with messy, rich, complex environments where possibility and opportunity rule. Their approach provides a glimpse of the many options open to educators.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Brilliant and Inspired
While I am slightly amused by the negative reviewer’s clever (if vapid) flare in creating new words to criticize the book and the author’s self-congratulatory defense (giving herself five stars, of course), I have to say this book is a rare blessing–the authors have combined a deeply felt passion (not only about education but about society in general) with a rigorous study of educational systems and emerging research in neuroscience. In truth, I can’t fault them for congratulating themselves because I too wish to congratulate them for their efforts. As a teacher who often feels frustrated and even demoralized by a seemingly absurd educational system, I am inspired by their elegant diagnosis and prescription for change. It has helped me to radically expand my notion of what education is and what it can do.
1 Star Pseudo-science. Pure propaganda for constructivism.
As if U.S. schools were not saturated with enough child-damaging fads (whole language, constructivism, discovery learning, developmentally appropriate practices), the Caines try to provide a “scientific” foundation for faddish twaddle by deriving instructional practices from brain research that is considered questionable by brain researchers themselves. This sort of bunk will appeal to morons: i.e, self-styled, knee-jerk “progressive” miseducators and education “deformers.”. . .
5 Stars Author’s note
Our book reports on reseach conducted with teachers, administrators and university students and faculty. What we suggest is that beliefs about good teaching run along a continuum. At one end is the belief in traditional teaching that must include teacher delivery of facts and skills to be memorized. It asserts that most learners must be coerced into learning. At the other end of the continuum we have the whole language, constructivist view which believes that the learner must be meaningfully engaged in learning. We conclude that these individuals at opposite ends of the continuum inevitably can not communicate with each other. The reviews represented here prove our point perfectly.
5 Stars Teaching for compliance or for self-efficacy?
Through examining and categorizing teaching techniques as presented in a diversity of teacher interviews,the Caines continue their pursuit of understanding and maximizing the potential of brain-based learning. They draw distintions between the all too prevalent practices which lead to downshifting, a kind of brain function regression, in contrast to the conditions a teacher can provide which honor the student as a human being on a quest for life’s personal meaning, the teacher and the student on a mutual search for self-efficacy. Teachers seeking new perspectives will find themselves drawn into the realm of education on the edge of possibility and faced with some serious soul-searching as they examine and question their own teaching. At least I did.
Buy/More Info
Sunday, June 14th, 2009 at
9:51 PM
Idea Mapping How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power Learn Faster Remember More and Achieve Success in Business
Praise for Idea Mapping
“Nast’s work in Idea Mapping enables those with creative minds to clearly lay out their thinking process and those who are more process-minded to become creative. If your organization is looking for a pragmatic, step-by-step guide to idea mapping, this is it.”
–Chris Brown, Executive Vice President, DTE Energy Resources
“I have used idea maps for thirty years and have taught MBA students, employees, and my children how to harness their power. I strongly recommend this book and believe you will feel it to be one of the best investments you have ever made in your own growth.”
–Stephen C. Lundin, coauthor, FISH!
“This is a book that everyone should read. It’s an interactive, thought-provoking book about the brain and learning that will expand your mind. Nast, an accomplished and well-respected instructor, has guided me into a new realm of learning experiences and possibilities. I’m sure you will feel the same upon reading her insightful work.”
–Simon Tai, CEO, Buzan Centre Taiwan and S&J Media Intergration Co. Ltd., Host of News Discovery on NEWS 98 Taiwan
“Nast shows you a revolutionary method to capture your thinking processes. Don’t underestimate the simplicity of idea mapping because therein lies its genius.”
–Scott Hagwood, four-time USA Memory Champion, author, Memory Power
“The ability to visually capture and organize thoughts and ideas has enabled millions of people around the world to do their work with greater creativity and productivity, run their businesses more strategically, and manage complex projects more efficiently–even map out a sales process or new product roll-out. Nast’s very practical, readable book will get you quickly up to speed on one of the simplest but most powerful ways to organize your ideas, your work, and yourself.”
–Mike Jetter, cofounder and CTO, Mindjet Corporation, coauthor, The Cancer Code
“The principles Nast writes about in Idea Mapping have become a staple for me over the past fourteen years. I was turned onto the concept of idea mapping in 1992 and have been a student and practitioner ever since. This has absolutely transformed the way I learn, design learning, and prepare for public speaking. I have never been more confident in my recall, knowing the content is nicely tucked away in my brain as it was designed to be. Get ready for a life-changing experience for yourself and those you influence.”
–Will Flora, Senior Manager, Chick-Fil-A University, Atlanta, GA
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Should be common knowledge for learners and workers.
Giving the book five stars because I didn’t already know everything the book tells you, but feel like I should have. A pretty light read and, I would say, on a 6th grade reading level, but all of the concepts in the book should have been explained to me by teachers in my secondary education.
I have to assimilate volumes of information, and mapping the info out in the manner taught by this book is the perfect way to do it. This use of the technique is only one of the applications described in the book.
5 Stars 1 Map Vs. 50 Pages… I’ll take 1 Visually Appealing Map
I’ve been impressed by Jamie Nast and her philosophy of Idea Mapping. I especially like the concept that you can put a complex idea on one page, and Jamie is running with it. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather see a business plan on one gorgeous map than 50 droning pages. I’m also happy that Jamie considers software a legitimate venue for mapping (I especially like MindManager, which Jamie endorses at her website). A resource idea mappers at all levels need to checkout.
4 Stars Idea Mapping
A useful guide to this concept and support for those interested in buying MindJet mind mapping software
5 Stars Help Put Some Colour Back into the Workplace – and Your Life
This is a most accessible book. Almost by stealth, it introduces people to a very powerful personal and business tool. Idea mapping can help put the fun and creativity back into work – and open your mind to a technique to access ideas you didn’t know you had.
The book takes an evolutionary approach to teaching mapping. Concepts and rules are introduced, examples given and lessons reinforced – then on to the next concept. Happily it’s in plain English, with no business consultant-speak, and is easy to read and comprehend. Rules are introduced at the beginning to help the novice get started – later on these are overturned as experts are encouraged to be flexible and take account of the situations they are in and the purpose of their maps.
The focus is very much on business applications of the tool. Guidance is given on how to approach creativity, strategy definition, planning, preparation for presentations, planning and drafting articles and papers, organising your schedule and even 1-1 meetings with staff.
One of the most powerful applications of idea mapping is in learning and memorising information, books and manuals – whether simply to help retain more for day-day application or for passing professional exams or achieving certification. Maps provide visual clues to aid memory and readers are encouraged to embelish their maps with colour and images to enhance retention and recall.
What really makes the difference here is the inclusion of many real life examples. These are not dusty academic references but actual maps produced by real people to help them achieve more in real life business situations. More examples can be found on the author’s website – extending the value of the book.
One of the recurring themes throughout is to consider the purpose of a map before you start it. Often maps will be fast and furious scribbles by way of an instant brainstorm, such as last minute preparation for an imminent meeting. At other times they will be developed with care, full of colour and images, as an aid to learning and recall.
Jamie Nast also introduces us to situations where maps need to be refined, developed and shared – and for which mapping software is a must. Advice is given on how to choose your software, the benefits and concerns and when and how to use.
Elsewhere in the book Jamie also explains how teams can use mapping collaboratively. A software tool is invaluable for such work. As a professional facilitator, I use software idea mapping with my groups. The map is projected onto a wall and ideas are captured, reviewed, restructured and so on interactively until the group are happy. Because the map is captured electronically it can be distributed immediately after the session as a map or exported into a text file, presentation or project plan.
Jamie also gives us a tool to help with group brainstorming. If you have caught the increasing number of articles on ‘why brainstorming does not work’, you’ll know that getting every person to shout out every idea they have is unrealistic. Idea mapping offers a perfect solution where the brainstorm begins with individuals getting their thoughts down on paper before sharing with the group.
As mentioned earlier, idea mapping puts mind mapping firmly in the realm of business. In addition to being a tool to help organisations and teams, it is also a personal tool which managers use to identify and review their personal goals, manage their schedules and prepare their individual plans and presentations. Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of the inter-relationship between work and the rest of our lives (Doh!). There are examples given in the book of how people have assessed their careers and life goals using these techniques.
This book offers real encouragement to people to try the technique and access the creativity and fun they could experience in even the crustiest of workplaces. It’s easy to learn following Jamie’s well thought out step-by-step guide. Inspiration is offered by the many real life examples included – all of which can be viewed in colour on Jamie’s web site. I have come across people at work who have seen mind mapping as something to be used by creative, clever people. You don’t have to be clever to use idea mapping but you might become so if you do.
2 Stars Very little substance
This book is yet another example of 15 pages worth of substance spread over 240 pages of fluff. A person would be much better served downloading the trial version of “Mindmanager” software and just following the included tutorial. It will teach you everything this book has to offer in a fraction of the time.
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