Enhancing Operations through Design Thinking: A Look into Taco Bell's Internal Incubator Program
Explore how Taco Bell's Internal Incubator Program uses design thinking to foster innovation, employee engagement, and global expansion.
Embracing Restless Creativity
Taco Bell's Internal Incubator Program, initiated in early 2020 by former CEO Mark King, emphasizes the importance of 'restless creativity' within the organization. By encouraging employees to contribute ideas and solutions, the program aims to leverage diverse perspectives and innovative thinking to address operational challenges and drive growth.
The Power of Design Thinking
At the core of the Internal Incubator Program is design thinking, a methodology that revolutionizes problem-solving by focusing on empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Through this structured approach, employees are challenged to think differently and explore unconventional solutions to complex issues.
Fostering Employee Engagement
Natasha Gaffoglio, Taco Bell's director of corporate communications and employee engagement, highlights the program's role in shattering common misconceptions about creativity. By involving hundreds of employees in the ideation process, the program not only generates new solutions but also enhances employee engagement and development opportunities.
Global Expansion Initiatives
The Internal Incubator Program has evolved under current CEO Sean Tresvant, with a focus on making Taco Bell a truly global brand. By involving international employees in the brainstorming sessions, the company aims to tap into a wide range of insights and perspectives, paving the way for global expansion and increased brand awareness.
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
An innovative idea that emerged from the program is Career Connect, where employees are paired with counterparts from different functions to enhance cross-functional learning. This initiative not only fosters collaboration but also enriches the skill sets of employees, creating a more dynamic and interconnected workforce.
Democratizing Challenges for Growth
With seven successful incubator sessions to date, Taco Bell is democratizing the challenge of expanding globally and increasing brand recognition. By involving employees from various functions and regions, the program ensures a diverse range of ideas and strategies to propel the brand towards international success.
