When faced with the daunting task of deploying Nokia-wide leadership skills to managers of nearly 50,000 employees worldwide, learning leaders zoomed ahead with a global solution.
by Site Staff
July 30, 2004
When faced with the daunting task of deploying Nokia-wide leadership skills to managers of nearly 50,000 employees worldwide, learning leaders zoomed ahead with a global solution. “Zoom” helps Nokia employees learn to lead and influence individuals and teams in changing environments. The learning path, based on Nokia ways, values and modes of operation, is targeted at those who lead teams and projects, or who coach people and influence others. The need to create a global leadership practice for Nokia, coupled with regional character that surfaces in the demonstration of these particular skills, required thoughtful development and aggressive delivery. The objectives of this expansive effort for Nokia? Increase managers’ understanding of Nokia ways, values, culture, common direction and processes. For the participant? Help each individual learn the processes and behaviors needed to lead effectively in a changing environment.
Zoom includes five learning modules that develop Nokia team-leadership competencies:
- Leading People: Zoom in on empowerment, trust and common language.
- People Processes: Zoom in on developing others and leadership.
- Nokia Business and Strategy: Zoom in on strategic direction, the operational model and customer satisfaction.
- Financial Performance: Zoom in on financial concepts and business outcomes.
- Processes and Project Management:
Zoom in on planning, organizing and cycles.
This is truly a blended-learning example. Practical face-to-face workshops with interactive virtual classroom sessions, simulations and self-based learning ensure cost-effective and flexible learning that balances global standard delivery with regional delivery. Participants practice actual life management and leadership situations live and in real time. They have the opportunity to exchange their experiences and learning in interactive virtual classrooms, so they too, can operate in the virtual environment that they often manage. In simulation, participants can test their knowledge and skills in a safe setting. Learners access relevant and enterprise-wide information needed for Nokia leadership through self-study. There are also job aids and tools, case studies, pre and post online tests, tutoring sessions, self-study and virtual content expert panels for a complete learning experience—wherever employees live or work.
Nokia practices what it considers to be a strategically important aspect of global learning—good partnerships. Nokia zoom learning paths are created and delivered in cooperation with the Nokia internal content experts from the different business groups and in concert with external partners. Zoom learning paths travel through Nokia learning centers in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and China.
The creation and implementation have been done in three phases and have taken time to roll out globally. The zoom planning effort began in 2001, was piloted in 2002 and is in full deployment now in 2004 across all regions. This learning path is the first truly Nokia-wide management and leadership development program that has been successfully implemented in all regions. In 2003, 400 employees participated. During 2004, Nokia expects that more than 500 employees will journey down the zoom path.
Zoom is a true pioneer for alternative blended global learning that incorporates both corporate virtual content and regional face-to-face delivery. Feedback from participants indicates that they are impressed with how well zoom reflects the most important issues and challenges they face at work, helping new managers and team leaders better succeed in their role. Sari Savolainen, product manager, management and leadership, Nokia HRD/Learning Solution Creation, confidently said, “Our customers seem to be quite satisfied with this ‘path-breaking’ learning product.” The impact on the business seems evident day to day, but will be put to the ultimate test of success as Nokia zooms in to the future.