The world’s most creative people develop better ideas by looking at situations from different perspectives than the rest of us. In particular, most people tend to start from where they are now when searching for creative solutions. A more productive approach, according to Keith Sawyer, author of Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity, is to “go back from the future.”

As the number of online communication channels has multiplied, so have the opportunities for us to share valuable ideas and information with others. A key skill in this brave new world is the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to online conversations.

If you want to create visuals that communicate clearly, then you must use elements such as lines, shapes and colors consistently, warns graphic facilitator Brandy Agerbeck. While she is talking about an important principle of graphic facilitation – recording the important points of a meeting on large sheets of paper with colored markers – the same principle applies to mind maps.

When it comes to thinking creatively, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Our ideas tend to fall into the same predictable categories, despite our efforts to the contrary. How can you jump-start your thinking in some new, creative directions? One way is to form your own personal “board of directors.”

The next time you’re working on a complex project, why not use a diagramming or mind mapping program to visually map your process flow?

When you have a tool like mind mapping software that enables you to capture, organize and share every bit of information you have collected, should you?

Did you know that you can track simple business processes using your mind mapping software? It’s easier to do than you may think. Here’s how to set one up in 7 easy steps, no matter what program you use.

Many executives use checklists to keep track of information they must not forget. They are essential for life-and-death situations. But there is a better way that is more in tune with the nature of today’s work. Here are 7 reasons mind maps are much more efficient and effective than checklists for busy executives.

Here are 5 reasons why your colleagues may not be paying attention to your mind maps.

How can you differentiate your blog content from the torrent of background noise? How can you capture the attention of the people you want to influence? One way is to use proven formulas for blog post headlines, like the ones in today’s mind map.