Mind Maps for Strategic Planning and Execution

Brian Sodl explores how mind mapping can be used as a practical framework for strategic planning, from defining vision and mission through to execution and review. Drawing on his consulting experience, he shows how visual mapping helps organisations clarify priorities, align initiatives to objectives, and maintain focus during strategy execution. The session includes real-world examples of strategy maps used to communicate and operationalise strategy. Key Themes & Topics (Timestamps): [00:03:57] Framing the session: strategy, operations, and mind mapping Brian introduces his consulting background and explains how mind mapping supports strategic planning, facilitation, and execution. [00:04:46] Vision: defining the desired future state He explains the role of vision as a forward-looking, inspirational statement that guides long-term direction and change. [00:05:39] Mission: clarifying organisational purpose Brian distinguishes mission from vision, emphasising its role in defining why the organisation exists and the value it provides. [00:06:37] Strategy as a mechanism for change He explains that strategy is about how the organisation will achieve its vision and mission, and just as importantly, what it will not do. [00:07:20] Strategic themes and focus areas Brian introduces the idea of strategic themes as a way of grouping priorities into clear, communicable buckets. [00:08:15] Balanced Scorecard perspectives He outlines the four perspectives—customer, financial, internal process, and learning & growth—and explains how they shape strategy development. [00:09:12] Using value to drive strategic choices The discussion focuses on defining who the organisation serves, what value it provides, and how this should influence priorities. [00:10:57] From SWOT to strategic objectives Brian explains how SWOT and similar analyses can be used as inputs to defining strategic objectives. [00:12:01] Measures, targets, and performance tracking He distinguishes between leading and lagging indicators and explains the importance of defining measurable outcomes. [00:14:12] Initiatives and project alignment Brian shows how initiatives should directly support objectives, which in turn support the mission and vision. [00:18:48] Strategy maps as communication tools He presents a real-world example of a strategy map used to communicate organisational priorities visually and succinctly. [00:22:46] Using mind maps to facilitate strategy workshops Brian explains how maps can structure discussions, replace flip charts, and capture outputs in real time. Featuring: MindManager, XMind.