Leadership Defined What does it take to manage one of the most successful restaurants in  the world’s largest casual dining seafood restaurant company? Build a  cohesive team. Set clear expectations. Communicate constantly. And,  lead by example – consistently. “You say what you do and you do what  you say,” advises Edward Bermudez, General Manager of the Red  Lobster in Wayne, New Jersey. His restaurant is consistently one of  the company’s top performers and he has a reputation for improving  the guest experience in every restaurant where he has worked. “If  your crew has an excellent experience, then your guests will have an  excellent experience,” says Edward. He attributes much of his ability to create this experience for his crew  and guests to training. As a general manager, Edward participates in a  variety of continuing education classes, personifying one of Darden’s  Passion Edward Bermudez  General Manager Red Lobster This native of Peru cannot say  enough about Darden’s commit- ment to cultural diversity.“They  understand the value of having peo- ple with different backgrounds and  different life experiences,” Edward  notes. “Our ability to serve our  guests so well is a direct reflection  of our ability to embrace diversity.”  It is a message that Edward is com- mitted to extending well beyond the  workplace. He is an active partici- pant and leader in the Hispanic  Chamber of Commerce at the local  and state level and believes in the  business value of community  involvement.“You must know your  guests and understand who they  are and where they come from.” It’s  a lesson that will continue to  reward Edward Bermudez and his  Company very well. 14  Darden Restaurants