Session Overview

Liam Hughes of Biggerplate demonstrates a three-stage strategic planning workflow built with Xmind and mind mapping. He shows how mind mapping with Xmind moves a team from raw brainstorming to prioritized strategy and measurable goals.

The session covers situation mapping with SWOT, future mapping with OKR objective and key results, and focused action planning. The emphasis is on capture, categorize, prioritize, then plan using Xmind features like markers, notes, hyperlinks and attachments.

You’ll Learn

• How to run a situation mapping session using a SWOT structure in a mind map.

• How to translate priorities into measurable OKR objectives and key results inside Xmind.

• A capture → categorize → prioritize → plan workflow that keeps brainstorming available but out of the way.

• How to structure action areas into quick wins and key projects linked to strategic priorities.

• Practical use of Xmind features: markers, progress icons, notes, attachments and hyperlinks to manage versions and detail.

Workflow at a Glance

• Situation mapping: capture strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats as keyword topics in a SWOT map.

• Categorize and sub-categorize captured items, then extract a top three in each quadrant to prioritize.

• Future mapping: set 1–3 OKR objectives and give each 1–3 measurable key results to track progress.

• Action planning: define quick wins and key projects linked directly to prioritized OKRs and track them in Xmind.

Pro Tips

• Use short keywords, not long sentences, to keep maps scannable and editable.

• Stick to top-three priorities to maintain focus; swap items out rather than expanding the top list.

• Keep brainstorming content folded away; use markers and progress icons to surface what matters now.

• Link related maps and previous versions with hyperlinks or attach files to avoid hunting folders.

Who It’s For

Teams and leaders who need a visual strategic process. Ideal for facilitators, project leads and individuals who want to convert mind mapping into measurable plans using Xmind and mind mapping techniques.

Resources Mentioned

• Xmind software and Xmind Online, including markers, notes, attachments and hyperlinking features.

• Biggerplate strategic planning course and Biggerplate Plus membership for a deeper step-by-step curriculum.

• SWOT analysis as the recommended situation mapping framework.

• OKR methodology (objectives and key results) for setting measurable future goals.