CEEPS On-Line Activity Database

Personal Mind Maps

Description

Creative, graphic way for group members to introduce themselves to other members of the group.

Instructions

This is a great and simple way to get participants to learn more about each other at the start of a meeting-workshop-collaborative activity.  I use it because it is relaxing and interactive; it’s also a great way for members of the same organization who have never met but need to establish professional credibility get to know each other without feeling like their reading their own resumes.

Introduce the activity as one of personal mind mapping where the participants are invited to create a map of themselves that includes those facets of themselves they wish to share with fellow participants.

The objective of the activity is for participants to get to know each other better.

It can be helpful for the facilitator to already have a personal map completed they can use as an example.

Encourage the participants to include information about their professional employment and personal activities and details.  Let them know they will be sharing these maps with some or all of the group members.

Options are diagrams, symbols, words, and timelines.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete a decent map.

When it comes time to share the maps, depending on the time you have available, there are several options: Group members can present their map to the whole group; or group members can share their map with one member of the group and then change partners after a period of time.

I recommend the maps are posted somewhere visible during the early stages of the meeting/workshop, especially in groups where you may not have had time to have each member present their maps to the whole group.  This allows individual members to still learn about others and it encourages them to ask meaningful questions of each other.

Facilitator Notes

This activity can be used in small and larger groups.  As groups become larger, the activity itself need not be modified but how the maps are shared may be.  I have done this activity with a group as small as 5 and as large as 80.

Also, there are no limitations on age-appropriateness.  I have done this activity with young adults through to seniors.

For materials, you will need 1 sheet of flip-chart paper (or any large paper: 11 x 17 copy paper or poster board) per person and extras.  For markers, I recommend Mr. Sketch scented markers as they are water-based, smell delightfully fun, and have great colours.  You will need to have at least one box for every 2-3 participants.

The sky is the limit in terms of creatively varying this activity. You can have participants use magazine photos, coloured paper, or other materials in creating their maps.

http://ceeps.ca/activities/MindMaps.htm