Visual Conversation Mapping

Another example of “untemplated visual coaching” is Conversation Mapping. Participants silently write down questions, answers, com- ments, and responses related to a trigger problem, question, or idea. The key behind silent writing is to give each piece of writing equal weight. A typical conversation mapping process might continue organically until there’s nothing left to write. This happens when the trigger reaches a resolution under these conditions:

1. The problem is solved.
2. The question is answered.
3. There is a path forward, such as one or more obvious actions.

For a visual coach, the conversation map is a useful, living artefact. When it’s displayed in an easy-to-access location, the conversation can continue with new additions made over time.

Visual Coaching Theory 31

Thinking about displaying a visual in an accessible way, I have a fond memory of an IT team member making an improvement to a process diagram I had left on the wall. They drew on it and then went off to make the improvement. That was a really proud moment for me to see as a coach.