Creativity@Work Exercise- Map Making

We are all familiar with maps. They serve as guides, help us navigate unfamiliar surroundings, and even lead us to find alternate routes. As a creative tool, mapmaking is often used as a way to find, chart, and tell both fictional stories and true life experiences. It can encourage exploratory thinking. So why not apply a simplified version of mapmaking when approaching unfamiliar topics and problems at work? Why not use it to chart the story of the organization or of a product or service? Map making can also help plan milestones, anticipate problems, and identify opportunities for an upcoming or in-process project.

Gather:
Color markers
Post-it flags
Large pieces of blank paper

Put participants in teams of 4-5, giving 1-2 hours to complete the exercise. Each team will create a map to represent a project or goal at work. Draw a small icon to represent the beginning or current point and an icon for the end point. Then start the “trip” and add lines as your team works toward the destination goal. Don’t forget to include detours, hazards, possible short cuts, alternate routes, rest stops/refueling, points of interest, and other stops along the way to the final destination. Teams will then explain how to get there from here, showing the map to illustrate.

Coming Wednesday: Creative links

Want more ideas to unleash Creativity@Work? For more information on how to get your copy of THE training guide to Creativity@Work, Growing Great Ideas: Unleashing More Creativity@Work, visit the E-book website. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter or become a fan of my Facebook Creativity@Work page. I can also train you and your organization to be more creative and innovative at work. Email me for more information.