Map Your Mind

  Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)  

Starting a project is usually one of the most harrowing events in the career of a typical project manager. There are just so many details to work out, so many things to ask (and to tell) and so many ideas that you need to come up with. But experienced project managers know that successful project management isn't just about estimating effort, tweaking timelines and scheduling resources. It's also about how well you manage the flow of information and ideas to and from your project stakeholders, customers and team members.

Picture this scenario: You've got 20 people in a crowded meeting room, huddling in front of a tiny whiteboard. The enthusiasm is running high, and the creative juices are starting to flow. Everyone's got an idea and they make sure you know about it. You're getting loads of input from your clients, your team members are unusually forthcoming with their ideas today, and you've just had a brainstorm about that new product your team has to launch.

Great.

Your only problem? The neat, linear outline you're keeping with pen and paper isn't really the best way to capture all the unstructured and chaotic (albeit productive) thinking that is taking place. And it is often difficult to see the connections between the thoughts, ideas and concepts.

Do you get the impression that this may not be the smartest way to do things? A linear, logical, top-to-bottom outline …

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