Summary
Chipotle's Chief Operating Officer, Jason Kidd, uses weekly dinners with employees to find the next leaders for the company. During these 90-minute meals, he looks for four specific traits that show a worker is ready for a promotion. This approach is part of a larger trend where companies are being more open about how they decide who gets promoted.
Main Impact
Every week, Kidd takes three to four employees from a local market out to dinner. He visits about a dozen stores each week in different locations. This gives many workers a chance to make a good impression. In 2025 alone, Chipotle promoted 23,000 of its employees. The company has more than 135,000 workers across 4,100 locations worldwide. All of its regional vice presidents, 85% of general managers, and 83% of field leaders were promoted from within the company last year.
Key Details
What Happened
Kidd told Business Insider that these dinners let him "get to know people in a different way." He can see who really wants to grow their career at Chipotle. The meals are not just about bonding. They are also a way to spot talent for higher positions.
Important Numbers and Facts
The COO looks for four main traits in workers he wants to promote. First, he wants team players who support their coworkers. Second, he looks for people who "own the outcome" and take responsibility for their work. Third, he wants workers who can spot problems before they happen. Fourth, he wants people who can solve problems and come with solutions.
Background and Context
Promotions have become harder to get in recent years. The rate of workers getting a promotion with a raise of at least 5% peaked at 14.5% in mid-2022. By last year, it fell to just over 10%. This is the lowest rate in five years. Companies are being careful because of economic uncertainty. There are also fewer jobs available for workers to switch to. This means employees have less power to ask for more money or a higher title.
Public or Industry Reaction
Other companies are also changing how they decide on promotions. Accenture now requires some senior workers to use its AI tools regularly to be considered for top jobs. Cisco's CEO, Chuck Robbins, does not use the normal interview process. Instead, he asks the team of a worker if they support that person getting promoted. If the team is unhappy with the idea, it is a bad sign.
What This Means Going Forward
Kidd's approach shows that companies are looking for more than just hard work. They want workers who can work with others, take responsibility, think ahead, and solve problems. For employees, this means they need to show these skills in their daily work. It is not enough to just do your job well. You also need to show you can be a leader. For companies, this trend means they are being more open about what they want from their workers. This can help employees know exactly what they need to do to move up.
Final Take
Chipotle's COO has found a simple way to find future leaders. By having dinner with workers, he can see who has the right skills for a promotion. This method is part of a bigger change in how companies decide who gets ahead. Workers now need to show they can be team players, take responsibility, think ahead, and solve problems. These are the skills that can help them move up the career ladder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four traits Chipotle's COO looks for in employees?
The four traits are: being a team player, taking responsibility for your work, being able to spot problems before they happen, and having problem-solving skills.
How often does Chipotle's COO take employees to dinner?
He takes employees to dinner every week. He visits about a dozen stores in different locations each week.
Why are promotions harder to get now?
Promotions have slowed because of economic uncertainty. There are fewer jobs available for workers to switch to, and employees have less power to ask for more money or a higher title.
