?Nanovation, Then begins with a big dream in the service of a great cause that results in a movement, one that invites us to be the best we can and then better ourselves. In the service of that cause, we choose to change our behaviours and our beliefs about what?s possible, to ?opt in? instead of ?checking out? and push through adversity to reach the goal.? That goal was one man?s dream, which we often spot on the road as Tata Nano. But make no mistake, Nanovation?How a little car can teach the world to think big, not just chronicles the long story of the small car, but adds an interesting approach and attribute to that story, one of inspiration, innovation and motivation. A holistic and satisfying read, and not just for those interested in literature based on business and product innovation and practices.
Through the Nano story, the book explores various values required for meaningful and successful innovation for businesses. Part one of the book has chapters on Tata Nano?s story, followed by the principles that pretty much set the tone and define what the authors call ?Nanovation.? The latter parts deal with the eight cardinal rules of nanovation, like building a culture of innovation, questioning the unquestionable, and risking more, failing faster, bouncing back stronger, and finally the effect of it all.
Being a motivational book to a large extent, it does itself justice by being engaging, imaginative and full of positive impact for the reader. It?s as much about a need to innovate and grow in businesses across the board with the right blend of values, as much as it is about the dream of the car, the steep challenge of innovating from scratch, Tata Motors, the House of Tata, and, of course, Ratan Tata himself. It further enhances its efficacy by drawing parallels between the business values of the Tatas and global successes like Starbucks, Apple, Pixar, and many more. It talks of building a positive value-based work culture that derives from the respect of the culture of the customers, which the authors feel that the Nano replicates.
Reading this book, one can?t help but draw comparisons to another book that attempted to chronicle the story of Nano, Small Wonder. Although factually the two books seem spot on, the way they tell the same story brings out the yawning gap in vision and execution. While Small Wonder, a book which had a Tata Sons copyright, limits itself to just chronicling the story, Nanovation goes beyond and adds quite a bit of value to the story by merging it with the larger idea of importance product and company innovation, business ethics and values, and breaking norms and conventions to do the unthinkable?to create products that change the face of life and society.
It talks of the Nano as a case study, that can teach valuable lessons for individuals and organisations across the globe to get the best out of themselves, and then, better that. In terms of the style of writing and storytelling too, Nanovation is far-far ahead of the other book. If Small Wonder could find favour mostly with auto enthusiasts, Nanovation finds favour with almost anyone willing to read and be inspired.
Yes, it might be guilty of sweet-talking a little too much and going in circles talking about the same things, but maybe, that?s how motivational business literature works its magic.
And, of course, while the Nano?s present and future seems a little hazy at the moment, the story of its development seems inspirational enough to have this book on your shelf. But one also wonders, if this book can in turn play an inspirational role to lift the spirits of its inspiration itself. Who knows?