(5 min read)
Transformational coaches are always looking for ways to maximize their clients’ results. They know that when helping clients visualize their future, establish their goals, or solve a problem, it is important to meet their clients where they are. One of the ways coaches do this is by knowing their clients’ preferred modality for processing information.
Understanding the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic preferences for the intake and retrieval of information helps to enhance communication and form a special connection with clients. Most coaches are familiar with learning styles, but did you know that visual learners are said to make up 65% of the population?
The minds of visual learners work in pictures. They struggle to obtain information delivered by lectures and tend to write everything down so they can “see” it. They may often rewrite their notes or draw pictures to illustrate an important point. When beginning a project, visual learners quite naturally want to “map it out.” They need to see the journey from start to finish.
Even if you believe you are an auditory or kinesthetic learner and are not particularly visual yourself, your coaching will be enhanced if you understand visual learners and how they “see” things. Imagine, 65% of your clients as visual learners. What are you currently doing to accommodate your visual clients while coaching?
Mind maps are a unique way to capture and organize ideas and information. They help users understand concepts by organizing them by their component parts. The technique is used to develop new ideas, or to break down and better understand existing information. The process is commonly used in brainstorming, project planning, and presentations. It is also a highly effective tool used in coaching to expand thoughts and ideas, identify patterns and themes, and gain new perspectives and insights Here are just a few ways mind-mapping can be used in coaching:
- Problem-solving
- Mapping goals by life roles
- Breaking goals down into bite-sized pieces
- Visualizing your ideal self or the ideal future
- Analyzing roadblocks
In today’s digitally focused world, it’s easier to create and share mind maps than ever before. The popularity of infographics, a type of mind mapping, has exploded as teachers, trainers, and advertisers make it easier for visual learners to take in information. Below is a basic mind map with the subject in the center and some major areas of consideration around it. Here is what begins to happen as we answer the questions that come from just looking at the map…
- The map follows the holistic way our brains work. Our brains don’t work in a linear fashion they are constantly looking for synergies, connections, and relationships.
- As we fill in the map, we begin to see and make connections as the brain triggers new ideas and possibilities we may not have thought of.
- Our imagination is piqued, and solutions begin to emerge.
- For the visual learner the picture of a process imprints it in their memory for easier retention and retrieval.
The following is a very basic mind map that provides a high-level understanding of the process.
As more and more connections begin to surface, the mind map may take on a life of its’ own and may look something like this…
This last image is a mind map of the brainstorming process we used to write this article. Once the pieces were in place, putting the copy together was a breeze!
We suggest you try mind mapping with your clients and have included below a few mind mapping websites that offer templates. Everyone has their own unique journey employing this technique and the wonderful thing is there is no right or wrong. Just you, your client, and your imagination(s).
Bubbl.us
Bubbl.us is free, but an account is required to create or edit a tree.
https://bubbl.us/
SpiderScribe
SpiderScribe offers a free personal account and offers upgraded “pro” and “business” options for an additional charge.
https://www.spiderscribe.net/
Popplet
Popplet offers a free trial. Should you decide you like it, the monthly fee is just $3.
Link – https://popplet.com/
Coggle
Coggle is a free and easy mind mapping application that you can sign in to via your Google account.
https://coggle.it/
GroupMap
GroupMap is all about making team-based activities easier. It is easy to use, offers a free account option, and gives every member of the team a voice when it comes to collaborating.
http://www.groupmap.com/
Consider adding mind mapping to your coaching repertoire to connect with your clients on a deeper level and provide them with a creative way to visualize their future, map out their goals, and address a variety of issues that arise while coaching. As always, we suggest you try mind mapping yourself before using it with a client. Your clients who are visual learners will appreciate your attention to their needs and the uniqueness of this approach to coaching. Oh, and don’t forget the auditory and kinesthetic clients too. More on that in the coming weeks.
Thanks for reading!
