The Hammer and the Screwdriver are respectively two of the most useful tools that have ever been at the disposal of man. Both are noble tools of great heritage, enabling man to attach stuff to other stuff for years, through the age old combinations of hammer and nail, screwdriver and screw.While these two implements serve equally useful and profound purposes, it is important to recognise that each tool has its own limitations and in certain circumstances, one cannot do the work of the other. Sometimes the aggression of the hammer must be replaced with the slow methodical operation of the screwdriver, and sometimes the slower methodical approach of the screwdriver must be replaced by the ability to knock the crap out of something.
So why the tool-time chat? Essentially I think computer tools are no different, and a couple of situations over the last couple of weeks have made me realise that sometimes people can be far too attached to mapping or mindmanager to realise that it is not actually the correct tool for the job! No matter how good it is, it cannot (for example) do the calculating and formulating that an excel spreadsheet can do; so dont try and use it for predicting complex cash flow (you know who you are!) Recognise that other tools (word, powerpoint, excel etc) have their uses, and then learn to recognise if and when your preferred tool(s) can be used instead, or in addition.
Fully understanding which tools are most appropriate for which tasks mean you will very quickly be able to decide whether you want to map or chart, to word process or slide create, and in the case of the hammer and screwdriver; to bang... or screw.
Moral of the story: Dont get MindMap Blindness!!!
Yes, we have this danger of getting so involved in the aesthetics of the mind map that the purpose at hand takes a back seat. I personally have been guilty of this on numerous occasions. Need to guard against allowing the tail to wag the dog.
ReplyDeleteAggi, this is very true, I especially think this happens when a person is keen to prove to other people that mapping is a useful approach to a task or project!
ReplyDeleteI have seen several cases of people being so determined to prove how great maps are that they crowbar it into any situation, often doing damage to their own argument by trying to use maps in situations where other approaches would be more useful!
It has to be used as part of the computer toolbox I think, and not positioned as the answer to all problems!!!
I would contend that Duct Tape and WD40 are more useful than a hammer and screwdriver......
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