How Chipotle's COO Identifies Future Leaders

Kidd prioritizes staff who move beyond merely reporting malfunctions to management. The core of his promotion strategy rests on a simple, proactive habit: bringing solutions, not just obstacles, to the table. When an issue arises, he looks for individuals who anticipate the fallout, take ownership of the narrative, and present a recommended path forward before they are asked.

This approach signals to leadership that an employee is ready for more responsibility. By brainstorming potential fixes before approaching a manager, staff members reduce the cognitive load on their superiors and demonstrate the initiative required for advancement. In a fast-moving environment like a national restaurant chain, the ability to solve problems independently distinguishes potential leaders from those who wait for instructions.