How to write a winning Employee Award nomination
Help recognize a deserving colleague!
Thinking of nominating a colleague for a Employee Award? Need some guidance on writing a high-quality award nomination? We've asked former nominators and winners to share their nominations with you. Check out the winning nominations below for the Administrative Staff Award.
Nominations are due by Friday, May 29! Learn more about the awards and how to submit a nomination here.
Here's an excerpt from a past winning nomination for the Administrative Staff Award:
Q. Elaborate on how the nominee made a significant contribution to the College.
A. I would like to nominate Chris Hahn for the Administrative Staff of the Year award for the exemplary leadership he has shown in becoming the Dean of Perth Campus. Chris has successfully transitioned from the role of Chair to Dean and has had an enormous yet quiet impact in his role by leading a reinvigoration of the students, faculty and staff and general happiness at the Perth campus.
Chris is a tireless advocate for the skilled trades and apprenticeship programs offered at the College. Over the course of the last few years, we have worked with Chris to organize, host and attend a vast number of skilled trades’ related events and always notice that he tries to attend the events and where ever possible he actively participates by staffing a table, providing tours or giving presentations to visitors.
Whether working with internal or external groups, Chris looks to find the best outcome for all involved and truly exemplifies the core values of the College.
Chris Hahn has and continues to take an active role in the success of all of the students he oversees. He welcomes them through orientation and class visits in the first few weeks or school, sharing his favorite study tips and encourages them to collaborate with each other and support each other through the program.
Q. Elaborate on how the nominee demonstrated outstanding commitment and professionalism.
A. Chris brings a considered and thoughtful approach to leadership but equally a willingness to learn. Not one to be rushed, I have both interacted with him and observed him working with peers, faculty and direct reports. He takes the time to listen and make sure everyone is included in the conversation then returns with a thoughtful and inclusive decision. Yet when it is time take the initiative, he does with gusto and determination. His honesty, friendly and considerate nature are qualities that make him a natural leader.
He always sees the good side of people and encourages other staff members to do the same. Chris has an open door policy and has time for everyone who comes to his door and he works tirelessly well beyond a normal work week.
In the two years since Chris has assumed the position of Dean, his affable nature, clear insight and guiding vision has garnered the respect and admiration of staff, students and the community alike. Students feel more welcomed, involved and self-assured of their success. Staff at all levels feel more supported, respected, engaged and confident of the Campus’ future growth. The community has become more enriched by the diversity and inclusivity of programs which were a result of meaningful consultation with a broader range of stakeholders.
Q. Elaborate on how the nominee is considered by colleagues to be an excellent role model in an educational institution.
A. In understanding the depth of the challenges Chris faces with the enrolment at a regional college, he has made it his mission to engage the Perth community and surrounding area. He tirelessly promotes the campus at every opportunity. During the Festival of Small Halls initiative, he took it upon himself to attend all of the events in order in the local area like Clayton, Balderson etc. to promote Algonquin College and program offerings, often times at expense of his free time.
Chris leads by example. He does not shy away from the tough challenges. For Strategic Enrolment Management, he has worked tirelessly to both raise his level of knowledge of a complex problem but has taken the time to bring his colleagues with him in the journey so that all will benefit.
I cannot express within the limits of this short description all of the attributes that Chris Hahn possesses to qualify his nomination for Algonquin College’s Administrative Staff Award. Rest assured that the list would be too exhaustive. If I had to distill the description to its essence, it would include those tangibles: intelligence, vision, tact, diplomacy, leadership, decisiveness and responsibility. However, of greater importance would be the list of intangibles that make up the fabric of a true leader of any organization: caring, respect, humility, commitment, dedication, humor, honesty, integrity, empathy, transparency, hard work and resiliency.During his tenure Dean Hahn has established a renewed and reinvigorated spirit of cooperation and collaboration. He has captured through effort and consensus building the imagination of many who envision now a brighter and more stable future for the Campus and the community as a whole. It is without hesitation and with much pride that I support Chris Hahn’s nomination for Algonquin College’s Administrative Staff Award.
****Nominations are due by Friday, May 29. Learn more about the awards and how to submit a nomination here.