Their Big Challenge
Chiquita is inarguably one of the world’s most recognized brands with its products sold in grocery stores in more than 60 countries. Leadership determined it was time to evolve from a “banana company” to a “fresh consumer products company.” In redefining the company and shifting the strategy, there was a clear need to elevate the level of talent and leadership capabilities with Chiquita’s 26,000 employees in 27 countries.
The Journey to Fresh
Concurrent with this need to communicate a new strategy, Chiquita was introducing a new performance management process, Perform to Grow.
Getting There
In crafting a solution to address both in-person and digital needs for greater flexibility and scalability, Chiquita wanted to use a variety of disruptive methods to reach its global audience. Chiquita partnered with Root to create two custom Root Learning Map® modules with accompanying electronic learning tools to be used with geographically dispersed units.
The first map visually represented the company’s “Journey to a Fresh Future” strategy so employees could see the business opportunities that needed to be developed for Chiquita to reach its goals. The second map focused on the new performance management system and emphasized how employees can contribute to achieving the aims of the strategy.
In addition to allowing employees to practice the tools and steps within Perform to Grow, the online component of the solution featured an interactive tool kit.
To initiate the change process, Chiquita started with 120 salespeople at its national sales meeting and used a “cascade” method to communicate both the strategy of the business and the Perform to Grow process worldwide. Used in conjunction with the paper-based Root Learning Map method, the e-learning modules reinforced the key learnings, supported practice, and gave managers and individuals the chance to practice in a safe environment before performing.
Real World Results
Percentage of Journey to a Fresh Future strategy session respondents reporting that their understanding was “better or much better” after experiencing the modules on the following
trends affecting Chiquita
opportunities for Chiquita to grow as a result of these trends
how Chiquita will execute the new strategy
how their work contributes to Chiquita’s success
the changes in the system
importance of defining clear expectations for performance with managers