Companies Love You, but Can You Live Up to the Standard?
Well, they don’t exactly love you; they love Darden in general. I met with a company this week in NYC who has recently added Darden to their short list of companies with whom they intend to significantly deepen their relationships. The head of investment banking met with Dean Bruner and me for over an hour. Why are they in love with Darden? Our students are humble, collaborative work horses. Actually, to be more specific it’s our alumni.
Our alumni at this firm and at companies all around the world have set a standard for Darden, and the standard is a high one. Darden alumni are working hard at being successful and making meaningful contributions. This company noted that EVERY single alumnus at the company exceeded their standard. Quiet collaborators. Work horses. Fun to be with. These are the phrases that were used. This is the bar that is being set by alumni.
By setting this bar, the alumni create opportunities for you. Their companies want more of what these employees offer.
Last week I noted that First Impressions Matter. Our visit to this company reminded me and reinforced for me that individual performance (and the brand for which they stand) is what is recognized and rewarded over time.
Often you hear the dean or others encourage you to “Be the Brand.” The standard that these colleagues set is why we are so diligent about protecting our brand. So, be the Darden brand, live up to the Darden standard.