Case Study – Danone

What is the best way to approach our challenges regarding the formulation of a new vision and determining and keeping focus?

Danone’s Quality and Food Safety organization (QFS) has many highly competent and highly motivated professionals, each of whom can compete with the best in the world in their specific field. In order to perform even better as an organization, Danone QFS decided to work with InContext on themes such as joint vision development, alignment, leadership and trust.

Valérie Sieurin about InContext

“The sessions were intense: we developed a great level of alignment and the accomplishments were impressive, but nerves were also exposed and we encountered significant challenges. Throughout the process, the consultant was direct, respectful, energetic, transparent and able to see us from the perspective of the process. He helped us navigate through tough terrain and overcome hidden problems.

As for me personally, the consultant earned my trust by listening and understanding. He respected me in the challenge I was experiencing and in my leadership style. I know what I want and where I want to go and what I want to achieve with the team. He influenced me in a friendly way and directed me and my team where needed. He respected my wishes and introduced the right elements to succeed.

One point the consultant could have done better is signaling: helping participants see where they are making progress and putting them in touch with their own leadership story. This would have made team members more aware of tangible improvements.”

Approach

To be able to provide real added value, InContext analyzes the organization well and always speaks to different stakeholders. Valérie: “What I liked immediately was that the consultant did not just rush into a session with my program, but that he first wanted to speak to my Quality Directors before coming up with a final program.”

Results

Danone’s Quality & Food Safety organization has made tremendous strides. There is a shared vision, “golden rules” have been created and there is a focus on priorities. This is not only visible within QFS, but it is evident everywhere within Danone Baby Nutrition.

“Our work with InContext has contributed significantly to this. I can recommend Thomas Benedict as a consultant to any global working team with different cultures that needs to improve and succeed together, except within organizations that are very rigid and formal,” concludes Valérie Sieurin.

danone

“We developed an enormous amount of alignment and the deliverables were impressive.”

Valérie Sieurin – Danone Baby Nutrition Quality & Food Safety