Mind Mapping for Effective Meetings

Ecio Leme, a Brazilian consultant and trainer with 27 years’ executive experience in supply chain, food packaging, and strategic planning, explains how mind mapping can make meetings more productive. As an accredited trainer and MindMeister ambassador, he shares practical techniques for preparation, facilitation, and follow-up that address common frustrations with meetings and improve focus, participation, and results. Key Themes & Topics [4:47] Background & credentials – Ecio’s career in manufacturing and consulting; adoption of mind mapping since the 1990s and accreditation as a trainer. Sets context for why his meeting techniques are grounded in real-world leadership experience. [7:18] Clear meeting objectives – Defining purpose (follow-up, assessment, decision-making, planning). Shows how maps help clarify and communicate purpose before a meeting. [8:18] Choosing participants – Selecting only those essential to decisions and discussions. Helps avoid time-wasting by ensuring the right people are in the room. [9:24] Agenda design – Structuring topics and flow, with coordinator roles to keep focus and time. Mind maps provide a visual, flexible agenda that reduces drift. [10:45] Timekeeping & breaks – Setting realistic durations and inserting breaks. Addresses attention span and avoids fatigue in long meetings. [12:10] Assigning topic responsibility – Clarifying who presents or leads each item. Prevents confusion and ensures accountability for contributions. [13:38] Logistics & preparation – Having chairs, equipment, refreshments, and materials ready. Highlights how overlooked details can derail meeting effectiveness. [15:04] Rules of engagement – Reiterating purpose, no phones/emails, focused discussion. Helps create discipline and attention in the session. [16:17] Live mind mapping – Using maps on screen for brainstorming, capturing notes, and presentations. Enables dynamic discussions and avoids static slides. [17:42] Action plans & minutes – Recording tasks, responsibilities, and decisions in real time. Delivers ready-to-share minutes immediately after the meeting. [18:52] Continuous improvement – Gathering quick participant feedback at the end. Encourages learning and refining the next meeting process. [29:55] Remote & virtual meetings – Using maps in Skype/online meetings with unfamiliar users. Demonstrates how maps make remote collaboration intuitive and accessible. Featuring MindManager