Program Management with Mind Maps

In this session, Jim Franklin shares how he has applied mind mapping to manage complex construction programs across multiple countries. Drawing from years of experience, he walks through a comprehensive program management mind map that captures everything from organizational structure and resource allocation to process improvement and strategic planning. This is a practical masterclass in using mind maps to clarify, communicate, and continuously improve large-scale project operations. [00:01:50] Introduction & Background Jim introduces his role and experience using mind mapping over 14 years, particularly in program management and operations. [00:02:55] Key Focus Areas of the Mind Map Overview of five key areas: stakeholders, program structure, project execution, strategic plan, and process improvement. [00:04:00] Mapping the Program Organization Using maps to define roles, responsibilities, reporting requirements, and resource balancing across a chaotic org structure. [00:05:16] Strategic Planning with Mind Maps Jim outlines how mind mapping supported a two-day strategy session, with collaborative input via MS Teams during COVID. [00:07:04] Live Demo: Program Management Mind Map Jim showcases the mind map structure and shares how it helped him earn the role of program manager. [00:09:45] Deep Dive: Stakeholders Mapping Mapping out internal teams, site teams (CONUS/OCONUS), and clients; how mind maps make it easier to share and organize. [00:13:11] Mapping Program Structure Interviewing department leads, identifying reporting flows, and making resource assignments using mapped processes. [00:15:02] Process Improvement Mapping Identifying and implementing initiatives like records management, training, and documentation standards. [00:20:36] Mapping Project Execution Creating sub-maps for site management, controls, engineering, contract closeout, and readiness reviews. [00:25:17] Filtering Maps by Resource Powerful demo of filtering map views by person and exporting to Word for performance reviews and workload tracking. [00:29:00] Process Improvement: Case Study on Submittals How the team mapped current issues, brainstormed fixes, and implemented a plan for handling 100+ project submittals. [00:33:39] Mapping Strategic Planning Process How Jim created a strategic plan map while rafting (!) and later hosted his own team session using the same map. [00:38:00] Real Benefits of Mapping Creativity, collaboration, and content development all accelerated by starting in a mind map vs. a blank Word doc. [00:40:23] Audience Q&A Highlights Sharing templates, interfacing with SharePoint, map sharing with clients, frequency of updates, handling data load. [00:52:15] Wrap-up Reflections Jim reflects on how mind mapping helped tame complexity, reduce stress, and build clarity in large programs. Featuring MindView