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Jul 14, 2021

Book review: Visual Thinking, Empowering people & organizations through visual collaboration

In training, coaching and consulting, the effectiveness of our efforts are dependent on the quality of our work x the acceptance. As a trainer and consultant, therefore, I am always looking for new ways to improve my quality, but also the acceptance. As I am a firm believer in visual thinking, either for decluttering my own thoughts & argumentation structure or to support collaboration, I recently bought the book “Visual Thinking, Empowering people & organizations through visual collaboration” by Willemien Brand, which was co-authored by a few former colleagues.

Their main objectives to write this book was to support anyone in developing their visualization skills, as they believe it is a necessary skill in modern business setting, but also because 75% of our sensory neurons are visual neurons. Their claim is that this book:

  • is practical and begins with the basics, but also improves basic skills
  • supports your development in visual storytelling skills
  • explains how to put theory into practice in a business setting

The book ranges from very practical and basic (what pens to use, how to draw people, etc..) to more complex visual storytelling examples (e.g. event canvas) and is full of examples, tips and tricks, which can teach even the most seasoned trainer/consultant a trick or two. In 5 simple chapters she helps you towards creating more complex visuals.


As I also have the book Gamestorming in my library, I already knew some of the examples they use. However Visual Thinking ads another dimension by showing the more visual side of the games as set out in Gamestorming.

I recommend this book to any trainer, coach or consultant looking to improve their visualization skills.

Written by Gladwell Academy, We write our own content when trainers and partnering experts don't!