Thinking about nominating someone for an award? It can feel a bit daunting, right? You want to make sure your submission really shows how great the person is. This guide, ‘Nomination Tips: How to Write a Standout Submission for the Admin Awards,’ is here to help. We’ll break down how to put together a nomination that truly shines, covering everything from understanding what the award is looking for to putting the final touches on your write-up. Let’s make sure your nominee gets the recognition they deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Make sure your nominee’s skills and achievements line up with what the award is all about. Look at what past winners did and what the organization values.
- Tell a story about your nominee’s impact. Use specific examples and numbers whenever you can to show what they’ve accomplished.
- Don’t just list duties; explain how your nominee went above and beyond. Highlight times they solved problems or took charge.
- Show that your nominee is dedicated and professional. Talk about their commitment to doing good work and how they handle challenges.
- Describe how your nominee works well with others. Include examples of teamwork, how they influence colleagues, and if they help create a good work environment.
Understand the Award Criteria
Before you even start writing, it’s super important to really get what the award is all about. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t try to win a baking contest by showing up with a perfectly grilled steak, right? Same idea here. You need to know what the judges are looking for so you can show them exactly that.
Align Nominee’s Strengths with Award Values
Take a good, hard look at the award’s description. What are the core values they’re trying to recognize? Is it innovation, teamwork, dedication, or something else? Then, think about the person you’re nominating. What are their absolute best qualities and accomplishments? Your job is to connect those two things directly. Don’t just list what they’ve done; explain how what they’ve done perfectly matches what the award is celebrating. For instance, if the award values initiative, don’t just say they started a new project. Explain how they saw a need, took the first step without being asked, and how that action directly reflects the award’s focus on taking charge.
Identify Key Qualities of Past Winners
If you can find out who won in previous years, that’s a goldmine of information. Look at their nominations (if they’re available) or any public descriptions of why they won. What kind of things did they highlight? Were they always going above and beyond? Did they solve a really tricky problem? Did they make a big difference for a lot of people? Seeing a pattern can give you a really good idea of the type of contributions that get noticed. It helps you tailor your own submission to what has historically been successful.
Recognize the Organization’s Mission
Every organization has a mission, a reason why it exists. Think about how the nominee’s work contributes to that bigger picture. Are they helping the organization achieve its goals? Are they embodying the organization’s values in their day-to-day work? For example, if the organization’s mission is about community outreach, and your nominee organizes volunteer events, that’s a direct link. Showing how their actions support the organization’s overall purpose makes their contribution seem much more significant. It shows they’re not just doing their job, but they’re actively helping the organization succeed in its main mission.
Craft a Compelling Narrative
Think of your nomination submission as telling a story. It’s not just about listing what someone does; it’s about showing how they do it and the real difference it makes. A great narrative connects the nominee’s actions to tangible results and demonstrates their unique value. You want the reader to feel like they know this person and understand their impact.
Showcase Impact with Specific Examples
Generic praise doesn’t cut it. Instead of saying someone is a
Highlight Exceptional Contributions
This section is all about showing what makes your nominee stand out. It’s not just about doing the job, but how they go above and beyond. Think about the times they tackled a tough problem or took on something new without being asked. These are the moments that really show their dedication and skill.
Detail Significant Project Involvement
When a nominee is part of a project, it’s important to explain their specific role and what they brought to the table. Did they help plan it? Did they manage a tricky part of it? Were they the one who made sure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes? Listing out their contributions, especially if they were key to the project’s success, really makes a difference. It’s like showing a highlight reel of their work on that particular initiative.
Illustrate Problem-Solving Skills
Everyone faces challenges at work, but some people are just better at figuring things out. Think about a time your nominee encountered a roadblock. How did they approach it? Did they come up with a creative solution that nobody else thought of? Maybe they had to deal with a difficult situation with limited resources. Showing how they analyze a problem and come up with a practical fix is a big deal. It demonstrates their ability to think on their feet and find answers.
Demonstrate Initiative and Proactiveness
This is where you talk about the times your nominee didn’t wait to be told what to do. Did they see something that needed improvement and just went ahead and fixed it? Perhaps they identified a potential issue before it became a real problem and took steps to prevent it. This kind of proactive behavior shows they’re invested in the team and the organization’s success. It’s about them taking ownership and making things happen, even when it’s not strictly their job.
Here’s an example of how to break down initiative:
- Process Improvement: Identified a bottleneck in the weekly reporting process and developed a new template that saved the team an estimated 2 hours per week.
- Resourcefulness: Noticed that a critical piece of equipment was frequently unavailable and proactively sourced a more reliable alternative vendor, ensuring uninterrupted workflow.
- Anticipating Needs: Observed that new hires often struggled with a specific software function and created a simple, step-by-step guide that significantly reduced support requests.
Emphasize Professionalism and Dedication
When you’re putting together a nomination, showing how dedicated someone is to their job and the company’s goals is a big deal. It’s not just about doing the tasks; it’s about the attitude and commitment they bring every single day. Think about how they approach their work – are they just going through the motions, or do they really care about doing a good job?
Describe Commitment to Excellence
This is where you highlight those individuals who consistently go above and beyond. It’s about the little things that add up, like always being prepared, meeting deadlines without fail, and taking pride in the quality of their output. Did they ever stay late to finish a project or come in early to get a head start? Did they proactively find ways to improve a process or a document?
- Always prepared for meetings.
- Consistently meets deadlines.
- Takes initiative to improve processes.
- Produces high-quality work.
A commitment to excellence means not just meeting expectations, but actively seeking ways to exceed them, showing a genuine investment in the success of the team and the organization.
Showcase Mentorship and Advocacy
Think about how the nominee supports their colleagues. Do they help newer team members get up to speed? Do they share their knowledge freely or offer advice when someone is struggling? Sometimes, this can be formal, like leading training sessions, but often it’s more informal – just being a helpful presence. Look for instances where they’ve actively championed a colleague or an idea that benefits the team. This shows they care about more than just their own work; they care about the collective success. For example, one nominee was instrumental in helping other administrative assistants understand the company’s financial reports, which wasn’t part of her official duties but made everyone more effective. This kind of advocacy really makes a difference. You can find more tips on recognizing these contributions at formal staff award nominations.
Illustrate Positive Attitude and Resilience
Everyone faces challenges, but how someone handles them says a lot. Does the nominee maintain a positive outlook even when things get tough? Can they bounce back from setbacks without getting discouraged? Look for examples of how they’ve dealt with difficult situations, whether it’s a demanding project, a tight deadline, or a personal challenge. Did they keep a good attitude and find solutions, or did they let the negativity bring them down? A positive attitude is infectious and can really lift the spirits of the whole team, especially during stressful times. It’s about being a steady, reliable presence that people can count on, no matter what.
| Situation | Nominee’s Response | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tight deadline for a major report | Stayed late, organized team tasks | Report submitted on time, high quality |
| Unexpected system outage | Quickly communicated with IT, kept stakeholders informed | Minimized disruption, maintained trust |
| Negative feedback on a project | Reviewed feedback constructively, made necessary revisions | Improved project outcome, demonstrated growth |
Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
It’s not just about getting tasks done; it’s about how you bring people together to achieve something bigger. Think about how this person works with others. Do they naturally pull people in, or do they tend to work in isolation? The best administrative professionals are the glue that holds teams together, making sure everyone feels heard and valued. They’re the ones who can take a diverse group of people, with different ideas and backgrounds, and help them find common ground to move forward.
Explain Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills
This is where you show how well they play with others. It’s about more than just being friendly; it’s about actively contributing to a positive team environment. Look for examples where they’ve helped resolve conflicts, shared knowledge freely, or made an effort to understand different perspectives. Think about how they handle group projects or everyday interactions. Do they listen well? Do they offer support when someone is struggling?
- Actively participates in team meetings, offering constructive input.
- Builds rapport with colleagues across different departments and levels.
- Offers assistance and shares information without being asked.
- Handles disagreements professionally, seeking solutions that benefit the group.
Highlight Influence on Colleagues
This goes beyond just being liked. It’s about having a positive impact on how others work and think. Has this person inspired a coworker to take on a new challenge? Have they shared a tip or trick that made someone else’s job easier? It’s about being a positive force that encourages growth and better performance in those around them.
Sometimes, influence isn’t about grand gestures. It can be as simple as consistently bringing a positive outlook to challenging situations, which then lifts the spirits of the entire team. This quiet strength can be incredibly powerful.
Showcase Ability to Foster Positive Culture
This is about creating an atmosphere where people feel good about coming to work and doing their best. It’s about making the workplace a more welcoming and productive space for everyone. Think about how they contribute to the overall vibe of the office. Do they organize team lunches, celebrate successes, or simply offer a word of encouragement? These actions, big or small, contribute to a stronger, more connected team.
Here’s a look at how someone might demonstrate this:
| Action | Impact on Team Culture |
|---|---|
| Organizes informal team gatherings | Boosts morale and strengthens interpersonal relationships. |
| Shares positive feedback publicly | Encourages recognition and reinforces good work. |
| Mediates minor workplace disagreements | Maintains a harmonious and productive environment. |
| Welcomes new team members warmly | Aids in faster integration and reduces anxiety. |
Refine Your Submission
So, you’ve put together a nomination that you think really shines. That’s great! But before you hit that submit button, let’s talk about making sure it’s as polished as it can be. Think of this as the final check, the last bit of polish before you send it off. A little extra effort here can make a big difference.
Proofread for Clarity and Errors
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many great nominations get overlooked because of simple mistakes. Read through everything you’ve written. Does it flow well? Are there any typos or grammatical errors? Sometimes reading it aloud helps catch awkward phrasing. It’s also a good idea to check that all the names and titles are correct. You want the focus to be on the nominee’s achievements, not on a misplaced comma.
Ensure All Questions Are Addressed
Go back to the original nomination form or guidelines. Did you answer every single question asked? Sometimes, in the excitement of telling a great story, we might accidentally skip over a specific prompt. Make sure you’ve provided details for each section. If a question asks for specific examples, double-check that you’ve included them. It’s better to be thorough than to leave the selection committee wondering.
Seek Feedback Before Submitting
It’s always a good idea to get a second pair of eyes on your submission. Ask a colleague or friend to read it over. They might catch something you missed, or they might offer a suggestion that makes your nomination even stronger. Someone who isn’t as close to the nominee might also be able to tell you if the impact of their work comes across clearly. Just make sure they understand the importance of keeping the nomination confidential until it’s officially submitted.
Wrapping It Up
So, you’ve got all the tips now to put together a really strong nomination. Remember, the goal is to show, not just tell, why your person or team deserves this award. Use those real examples, paint a clear picture of their contributions, and let their hard work and dedication shine through. It takes a little effort, sure, but a well-crafted nomination can make all the difference in recognizing someone truly special. Go ahead and make your submission count!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a nomination stand out?
To make your nomination shine, focus on showing how the person’s actions directly helped the organization or its people. Use real stories and examples to prove their skills, like how they solved a tricky problem or helped a teammate. Mentioning specific results, like saving time or making things run smoother, really helps.
Should I write a story or use bullet points?
You can do either! The award committee accepts nominations in both story (essay) format and bullet points. Whichever you choose, make sure to give clear, detailed examples of what the person did and why it mattered. Both can be very effective if done well.
How important are numbers in a nomination?
Numbers can be super helpful! If you can, include facts and figures to show the impact of their work. For instance, if they improved a process, say by how much time or money it saved. This makes their achievements more concrete and impressive.
What if the person is good at many things?
That’s great! Highlight their best contributions. Think about what makes them truly special and how they’ve gone above and beyond. Focus on a few key areas where they’ve made a big difference, rather than trying to list everything they’ve ever done.
How do I show they are a good team player?
Talk about how they work with others. Do they help colleagues, share ideas, or make the workplace a more positive place? Give examples of them collaborating on projects or supporting their team members. Showing they can work well with others and help the team succeed is important.
What’s the best way to finish my nomination?
Before you submit, read through your entire nomination carefully. Check for any spelling or grammar mistakes. Make sure you’ve answered all the questions asked and that your examples clearly support why the person deserves the award. Getting a second opinion from someone else can also catch things you might have missed.