Chipotle COO Identifies Four Key Traits for Leadership Promotion

Chipotle's Chief Operating Officer Jason Kidd identified four key traits he looks for when promoting employees to leadership roles within the company. In 2023, Chipotle promoted 23,000 of its global workforce of over 130,000 employees, with a strong emphasis on internal candidates. The company reported that 83% of field leaders, approximately 90% of restaurant management positions, and all regional vice presidents were filled through internal promotions.

Kidd actively engages with employees by visiting nearly a dozen Chipotle locations weekly and spending over an hour with regional teams. This practice allows him to observe employees and identify potential leaders. He specifically seeks individuals who demonstrate a commitment to caring for their colleagues and working effectively in teams, emphasizing that "we run a people business." This focus on people is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work environment.

Beyond interpersonal skills, Kidd looks for employees who "own the outcome," meaning they take responsibility for both successes and failures. He believes this trait is indicative of strong leadership potential. Furthermore, Kidd prioritizes candidates who can anticipate and plan for potential issues rather than simply reacting to them. He stated, "We don’t need firefighters; we need people who could be ahead of the issues and anticipate what’s going on."

The final trait Kidd seeks is robust problem-solving ability, which involves not only identifying an issue but also proposing clear and actionable solutions. These four traits—caring for others, owning outcomes, anticipating problems, and strong problem-solving—form the core of Chipotle's internal leadership development strategy as the company plans to open hundreds of new restaurants this year.