Page 182 - 100 Great Business Ideas: From Leading Companies Around the World (100 Great Ideas)

Commenting on Nokia’s “thinking process,” CEO Jorma Ollila
noted:

Of course, we get masses of information, but what is important
is that we discuss it a lot among ourselves, kicking it around,
looking at it from different perspectives. It is a collective
learning process and the key point is whom we should discuss
a new piece of information with, to augment it and give it more
meaning than it had originally. Then, we make some choices,
try them out, listen to the feedback and redirect as needed.
With this collective learning process we are all on the same
wavelength and we can act very fast when needed.

Nokia has certainly suffered its share of setbacks, but to successfully
make a journey from near disaster to world domination in less than
ten years shows a sustained flexibility and desire to learn at all levels.
Clearly this is vital for a business in an industry as new and fast
moving as cellphone technology, but the Nokia approach—applied
throughout the business—highlights the value of moving from
information to knowledge.

In practice

• Capture, disseminate, share, analyze, and discuss information

and insights.

• Hold regular discussion groups consisting of people working at

all levels inside the company as well as external experts.

• Discuss the significance of developments in the market, as well

as possible future trends and scenarios.

• If it is decided that the company should bring in new policies or

move in a different direction, then brainstorm the workability
and practicality of these changes. Decide who will implement
them, and how.

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