Developing a Learning Organization with Mind Maps

Graham Hughes (Co-Founder: Biggerplate) takes us on a deep dive into a decade-long partnership with Alitex—a bespoke greenhouse manufacturer—showcasing how mind mapping was used to guide a comprehensive cultural transformation into a true learning organization. Through live demos and rich visual maps, Graham outlines the frameworks, tools, and mind mapping strategies that supported strategic planning, values development, induction design, and leadership learning programs. Main Topics & Timeline: [00:00:01] – Introduction Graham introduces himself and the purpose of the session, setting the stage for a deep case study of mind mapping in action at Alitex. [00:02:05] – Overview of Alitex A look at the company: makers of bespoke, aluminum-based Victorian-style greenhouses, and their early desire to evolve into a learning organization. [00:04:51] – Inspiration from Harvard's Learning Organization Benchmark How the 2008 HBR study became the catalyst for transformation; importance of facing unpredictability with learning culture. [00:07:04] – Mind Mapping as the Core Tool Using mind maps to capture, organize, prioritize, plan, and review in continuous loops—vital to making sense of complexity. [00:09:52] – The 2014 Starting Point Initial assessment using interviews and Harvard’s framework; mapping the current state of learning across the organization. [00:15:55] – Deep Dive into Individual Survey Maps Demonstrating a sample interview map with detailed, categorized responses from staff using MindManager. [00:19:06] – Aggregating Insights into a Benchmark Map How themes were color-coded and benchmarked against global standards; key findings on psychological safety, openness, and resistance to change. [00:24:52] – The Alitex Academy Map Initial (but ultimately shelved) vision for a comprehensive academy, mapping out staged development for all staff. [00:27:40] – The Power of MindManager for Complexity Use of icons, filters, and task flags to manage large, evolving maps and collaborative planning. [00:28:40] – Developing Genuine Organizational Values From 40+ initial ideas to eight core values, mapped and refined to represent real behaviors and expectations. [00:31:36] – Designing the Induction Program Using XMind to structure a multi-dimensional onboarding experience—covering everything from company culture to product installation. [00:34:41] – The Current People Development Dashboard (2023) A live, evolving map managing the whole learning and growth ecosystem, underpinned by values like humility, ownership, and curiosity. [00:39:05] – Learning Purpose and Frameworks Framing people development around: Horizons (Heads-Up Learning) Mastery (Heads-Down Learning) Curiosity (Creative Learning) [00:43:56] – Mapping Detailed Learning Programs Demonstrating multi-map structure with drill-down content for each training module; collaborative use of MindMeister for accessible planning. [00:45:32] – Leadership Development Tracks Parallel mapping of senior and junior leadership development, with phased modules and strategic alignment. [00:46:29] – Reflections and Audience Q&A Responding to participant comments on mind mapping for induction, collaboration, and individual adoption within Alitex. [00:50:19] – Wrap-Up & Next Event Teaser Closing the session with a reflection on the journey