The Darden Difference
"I have no doubt you have moved our business forward in a way we could not have achieved alone." Peter Keeble, VP Human Resources, Ascom Network Testing
We work with only a select group of clients so we can focus on creating highly customized learning experiences that delight them. We take pride in the level of customization, accessibility and attention we can offer you, from both our curriculum designers and our faculty. We bring a certain craftsmanship to our work: detailed, built to your specifications, and made to last.
Our recent work includes:
- A multi-module, year-long leadership development process for high potential senior executives of color from a consortium of media companies
- A two-week general management program to develop future leaders of a Fortune 50 global aerospace and building industry
- A partnership with one of the leading property and casualty insurance organizations to offer an industry-specific development program for their senior executives from client firms
- A four-week program for the U.S. Navy to broaden officers’ business acumen
International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) President, Mark Allen, shares his experience working with Darden to develop and execute an ongoing training program for his association's businesses.
Here’s how we work with you to address your business challenge:
Discovery
Exploration
As a true partner, we strive to understand your organization’s culture, strategic imperatives, successes and challenges. We begin with exploratory meetings to determine business goals, learn objectives and desired outcomes.
Proposal
From the information gained in our exploratory sessions, a preliminary proposal is prepared for review.
Agreement
We articulate the objectives in an agreement that establishes the project calendar and milestones.
Design
Faculty Team
Based on client needs and content areas, a faculty team is selected.
Preliminary Program Design
We meet with the client’s senior leaders and development professionals and potential participants to learn first hand about the context in which your team operates, gathering insights about their challenges and perspectives and gaining additional input about what will be most relevant.
Final Program Design
We agree upon the finalized design for the first offering through an iterative process to ensure consistency, relevancy and impact. Our designs typically include a self-directed module preceding the residential and applications modules.
Delivery
Program Delivery Launch
The Darden team delivers the self-directed, residential and application modules.
Debrief and Next Steps
The senior director and faculty leader meet with the client’s executive sponsor and learning professionals to review how well we achieved our objectives and establish a plan to make changes as needed to strengthen the program.
Measuring Success
Together with the client, we measure the results, outcomes and overall impact of the program.