In 2003, Olive Garden Restaurants partnered with Management & Executive Education to create an innovative new program, Embracing Leadership Excellence (ELE). This highly interactive program was designed to support Olive Garden leaders in achieving excellence in pursuit of guest, employee and investor goals, while gaining greater self-awareness of their leadership strengths. Since its inception, more than 600 General Managers, Managers and Restaurant Support Managers have experienced the power of ELE. In 2004, Darden Restaurants awarded Olive Garden Training & Development the Brilliance Award for the success of Embracing Leadership Excellence.

"Everyone should expect regular, on-going training opportunities to sharpen and advance their skills."

This is just one of the seven Olive Garden Principles that guide our behaviors and decisions. At Olive Garden, we are committed to having strong leaders at all levels of the organization, and our strong partnership with Rollins College is helping to achieve this priority!

The Embracing Leadership Excellence program is the most introspective, highest-rated Olive Garden leadership programs to date. Rollin's subject matter expertise, impressive facilitation, and willingness to meet the specific needs of Olive Garden leaders has been the key to this successful partnership.

Salute!

Dave Pickens
President
Olive Garden Italian Restaurants

To find out more about Olive Garden, visit www.olivegarden.com