Academic Leadership: Fundamental Building Blocks
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Maps can be productive for the following:
- preparations for negotiations
- teams or work areas where communications are difficult
- groups not working well together
- planning meetings, and
- impending change.
Maps can also used before drawing a plan. For example, if a course is going to be
redesigned, a mapping exercise with all concerned can make a huge difference to
implementing the changes and influence those concerned. A good change management
technique that can avoid conflict!
When mapping at meetings it is best to do your map on a large piece of paper or on
a whiteboard. Write with thick pens. Use several colours – one colour for the issue and
the parties, another for needs, another for fears.
A Conflict Mapping Template
This template may be useful for you in any mapping situation.