Creating a highly effective continuous improvement cycle
Lead With Impact came about when infant formula manufacturer Danone Nutricia wanted to equip future leaders for success. They knew learning was part of the solution.
Turning to Upskills to design a tailor-made leadership experience which aligns with Danone’s processes, policies and goals was key. To understand what was required, we followed a process unpacked in several co-design workshops around the curriculum. The result was ‘Lead with Impact’, a course with a unique Danone flavour. It included guest learning from key people across the business: HR, Production, and Senior Leadership. The course mapped to a Level 3 NZQA Leadership qualification in partnership with Service IQ Te Pukenga.
Highlights
Danone Learning Manager, Operations Justine Slattery has several highlights, but one stands out for her:
“We had one person who was quite reserved and shy and not feeling comfortable with colleagues that he doesn’t work with often. But the effort he has put into the full programme and commitment and dedication through the assessments and project presentation is outstanding,” says Justine. “Seeing him at graduation was very moving because the rest of the team in his group helped him and recognised his journey.”
One team, one culture
Individual stories like this shine, as well as the programme’s contribution to Danone’s ‘one team, one culture’ approach. Undertaking learning in small groups, Justine says the group format provided extra wins along the way. Participants from the lab, dispatch and production learnt alongside each other.
“We took advantage of the group format, sharing views of different teams so that participants got a diversity of perspective.” Teambuilding via group learning strengthened relationships along the way.
Bringing the programme to the Balcutha site ensured the inclusion and alignment of the Southland site with the Auckland team. Now everyone is on the same page.
“We didn’t want the Balcutha team to miss out on this learning opportunity,” says Upskills General Manager Janeke Fourie, “so we worked hard to bring the leadership learning experience to Balclutha.”
Stepping forward into leadership
From the Auckland cohort, there have been four promotions for participants. As Justine says,
“The programme gave people the confidence to step forward into leadership roles. So for them to be successful when the opportunities arose and have the confidence to apply, then get the job – it’s a success story.”
A great example is AJ Gounder, who is now the Line Shift Lead for the night shift team. AJ says the standout learning for her was the concept of a growth mindset. It’s been useful both for personally and for sharing with her team.
“It’s been just six months, and I see operators coming to me with suggestions on improving our work system,” AJ shares. “They are more proactive, engaged, and willing to provide feedback. This has created a positive ripple effect, fostering a culture of safety and trust within the team.”
Innovation and problem-solving
Danone Nutricia is no stranger to innovation – it’s in the company’s DNA. The innovation story dates back to the 1900s. Founder, Isaac Carusso created yoghurt to soothe intestinal issues amongst the Spanish population. Consequently, strengthening the problem-solving culture from the factory floor up was a key focus for the programme.
“There is a big focus on problem-solving in our industry – it’s a crucial skill,” identifies Justine. “For simple continuous improvement skills to be understood, put into practice and then positively influencing with their problem-solving mindset; it has had a massive impact at Danone.”
Senior leader visibility and support for the learning was important from start to finish. Leaders attended project presentations and were struck by improvement in the participants’ problem-solving mindset.
The legacy of continuous improvement
The legacy of the learning is a group of champions.
“We have problem-solving advocates moving forward to new ways of working. We have this approach every step of the way in every role. It creates a highly effective continuous improvement cycle.” notes Justine.
Self-assessment from the group confirms manager feedback: Most participants feel considerably more confident across different aspects of leadership.
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