The Colleen Barrett Award for Administrative Excellence – the Admin Awards’ most prestigious award category.
The Colleen Barrett Award for Administrative Excellence is The Admin Awards’ most prestigious award. This coveted award will be presented to the admin that best demonstrates the qualities listed below, many of which enabled Colleen Barrett’s rise from legal secretary to President and Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Airlines and contributed to the company’s legendary corporate culture and extraordinary success. These qualities are:
- High proficiency
- Values that reflect those of your organization
- Passionately committed to your organization’s cause or purpose
- Deeply committed to legendary customer service both internally and externally
- The heart for employee advocacy — making sure the company always does right by its employees
Items to include in your nomination:
- Please describe how this Administrative Professional possesses a high level of proficiency in their role as an Administrative Professional. Please include what specific skills, certifications, education, and/or training they have that support their role.
- Please provide specific examples of how this Administrative Professional shares the same values as their organization.
- How has this Administrative Professional demonstrated a passionate commitment to their organization’s cause or purpose?
- How has this Administrative Professional demonstrated a passion for legendary customer service, both internally and externally?
- How has this Administrative Professional served as an advocate for fellow employees?
- Please list any additional information that you believe demonstrates why this Administrative Professional is deserving of The Colleen Barrett Award for Administrative Excellence.
The Leadership Award
The Leadership Award recognizes the Administrative Professional that best demonstrates multiple leadership qualities such as confidence, focus, integrity, innovation, patience, decisiveness, open-mindedness, empowerment, generosity, persistence, and a passion for helping fellow employees and their organization succeed.
Items to include in your nomination:
- Why does this Administrative Professional deserve to win an Admin Award? Include details such as the specific or unique contributions they’ve made to their organization, what elevates this candidate from their peers, what makes them a highly effective and invaluable Administrative Professional, what obstacles they may have had to overcome, examples of their perseverance, loyalty, etc.
- How many total years has this Nominee served as an Administrative Professional throughout their career?
- How many years has this Administrative Professional been employed by their current organization or executive?
- Please describe the leadership qualities that this Administrative Professional demonstrates in their role and provide specific examples or details to support each of these qualities and how they are demonstrated through their administrative role. Leadership qualities that you might speak to could include (but are certainly not limited to) qualities such as determination, focus, confidence, integrity, passion, innovation, patience, decisiveness, open-mindedness, empowerment, generosity, persistence etc.
- Please provide specific examples of how this Administrative Professional demonstrates a passion for leading people, ideas, projects etc. towards success. Include examples of how this Administrative Professional shares their knowledge, expertise and experience with others in the organization and how this positively impacts the organization.
- Is there anything else you think the judges need to know about this candidate? If so, please share any additional thoughts, information, insights etc. that you believe would be helpful to the judges in determining this candidate’s unique qualifications in this award category.
The Achiever Award
The Achiever Award recognizes the high performing Administrative Professional that has successfully demonstrated one or more of the following criteria:
- Has successfully managed and/or executed a significant project that has had a positive, company-wide impact within the past 2 years and/or
- Continuously performs difficult tasks and solves challenging problems day after day as a result of their resourcefulness and relentless perseverance
Items to include in your nomination:
- Why does this Administrative Professional deserve to win an Admin Award? Include details such as the specific or unique contributions they’ve made to their organization, what elevates this candidate from their peers, what makes them a highly effective and invaluable Administrative Professional, what obstacles they may have had to overcome, examples of their perseverance, loyalty, etc.
- How many total years has this Nominee served as an Administrative Professional throughout their career?
- How many years has this Administrative Professional been employed by their current organization or executive?
- Please describe the project(s), assignment(s) or scope of work that the Administrative Professional was given and what the organization was trying to accomplish through the completion of it. Be sure to include the work product’s level of complexity or importance.
- Describe how this Administrative Professional demonstrates qualities such as relentless grit, perseverance, and resourcefulness in successfully accomplishing projects and important tasks in their role.
- Is there anything else you think the judges need to know about this candidate? If so, please share any additional thoughts, information, insights, etc. that you believe would be helpful to the judges in determining this candidate’s unique qualifications in this award category.
The Team Achiever Award
The Team Achiever Award recognizes a group of two or more Administrative Professionals within the organization that worked together towards a common goal, project or business initiative that resulted in a significant, positive outcome for the organization.
Items to include in your nomination:
- Please describe the team’s project or initiative including the overall goal and tangible results.
- Be sure to include the level of complexity or importance.
- Describe how your Administrative Team worked together to successfully accomplish their mission and the teamworks they demonstrated to achieve the desired results.
- Please provide any additional details about this Administrative Team’s achievement that you feel would help the judges best understand the scope, importance and impact of this mission.
The Administrative Excellence in Public Service Award
The Administrative Excellence in Public Service Award honors Administrative Professionals that are involved in either the public or private sectors in the following industries: Healthcare, Biotech, Pharma, Education, Government, Nonprofit, Military, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, Politics. Professionals in these areas have made significant contributions to the success of their organizations in an administrative capacity.
Items to include in your nomination:
- Why does this Administrative Professional deserve to win an Admin Award? Include details such as the specific or unique contributions they’ve made to their organization, what elevates this candidate from their peers, what makes them a highly effective and invaluable Administrative Professional, what obstacles they may have had to overcome, examples of their perseverance, loyalty, etc.
- How many total years has this Nominee served as an Administrative Professional throughout their career?
- How many years has this Administrative Professional been employed by their current organization or executive?
- Describe the impact this Administrative Professional has had through their role as an Administrative Professional and their unique knowledge of your industry in serving the public good.
- Is there anything else you think the judges need to know about this candidate? If so, please share any additional thoughts, information, insights, etc. that you believe would be helpful to the judges in determining this candidate’s unique qualifications in this award category. (optional)
The Spirit Award
The Spirit Award celebrates the Administrative Professional that consistently exhibits a positive, optimistic outlook that people find contagious and uplifting. They approach their work with high energy, enthusiasm and demonstrate an eagerness to help others, always with a positive can-do attitude. This is the person that lifts up the office, who people are drawn to during good days and bad, and the person that contributes to a culture of optimism and positivity within the organization.
Items to include in your nomination:
- Why does this Administrative Professional deserve to win an Admin Award? Include details such as the specific or unique contributions they’ve made to their organization, what elevates this candidate from their peers, what makes them a highly effective and invaluable Administrative Professional, what obstacles they may have had to overcome, examples of their perseverance, loyalty, etc.
- How many total years has this Nominee served as an Administrative Professional throughout their career?
- How many years has this Administrative Professional been employed by their current organization or executive?
- Please provide specific examples of what this Administrative Professional does to create a positive, upbeat work environment for others and how their positivity and optimistic spirit positively impacts their coworkers, clients, vendors, and/or the overall organization.
- Please provide specific examples of what this Administrative Professional does to create a positive, upbeat work environment for others. Be sure to include external examples of this candidate’s spirit, optimism, encouragement, and impact on the company’s culture.
- Is there anything else you think the judges need to know about this candidate? If so, please share any additional thoughts, information, insights etc. that you believe would be helpful to the judges in determining this candidate’s unique qualifications in this award category. (optional)
The Loyalty Award
The Loyalty Award is presented to the Administrative Professional that has a long history of effective service in the Administrative profession (minimum of 20 years) and/or has a long history of effective service to their existing company or Executive in an administrative capacity (minimum of 10 years).
Items to include in your nomination:
- Why does this Administrative Professional deserve to win an Admin Award? Include details such as the specific or unique contributions they’ve made to their organization, what elevates this candidate from their peers, what makes them a highly effective and invaluable Administrative Professional, what obstacles they may have had to overcome, examples of their perseverance, loyalty, etc.
- How many total years has this Nominee served as an Administrative Professional throughout their career?
- How many years has this Administrative Professional been employed by their current organization or executive?
- Please describe how this Administrative Professional’s long history of effective service and dedication has positively impacted their organization and/or administrative profession.
- Please provide specific examples that best demonstrate this Administrative Professional’s tireless commitment to their organization, executive, and/or profession. Include examples of how this Administrative Professional puts the needs of others and/or the needs of the organization before her/his personal needs. Include this candidate’s demonstration of loyalty, perseverance, tenacity, etc. during what might have been challenging times in their career or service to their organization or executive.
- Is there anything else you think the judges need to know about this candidate? If so, please share any additional thoughts, information, insights, etc. that you believe would be helpful to the judges in determining this candidate’s unique qualifications in this award category. (optional)
The Above the Call Award
The Above the Call Award honors the Administrative Professional that goes above and beyond the call of duty in delivering an exceptional customer experience, a phenomenal first impression and serves internal and external customers with professionalism, enthusiasm, and care. Candidates that qualify for the Above the Call Award include any Administrative Professional whose job responsibility involves significant interaction with others such as coworkers, customers, vendors, company visitors, etc. Administrative titles might include but are not limited to: Receptionists, Office Assistants, Client Service Assistants, Facilities Assistants, Sales Coordinators, Sales Assistants, Marketing Coordinators, etc.
Items to include in your nomination:
- Why does this Administrative Professional deserve to win an Admin Award? Include details such as the specific or unique contributions they’ve made to their organization, what elevates this candidate from their peers, what makes them a highly effective and invaluable Administrative Professional, what obstacles they may have had to overcome, examples of their perseverance, loyalty, etc.
- How many total years has this Nominee served as an Administrative Professional throughout their career?
- How many years has this Administrative Professional been employed by their current organization or executive?
- Please provide specific examples of how this Administrative Professional has gone above and beyond in providing exceptional customer service to others and the impact they’ve had on the organization. Be sure to include any commendations they’ve received internally or externally for going above and beyond. Who does this Administrative Professional regularly interact with day to day in their role?
- Is there anything else you think the judges need to know about this candidate? If so, please share any additional thoughts, information, insights, etc. that you believe would be helpful to the judges in determining this candidate’s unique qualifications in this award category. (optional)
The Start Your Impossible Award – Presented by Toyota North America
The Start Your Impossible Award, presented by Toyota North America recognizes Administrative Professionals who have overcome unimaginable challenges in their professional and personal lives – while providing enormous value to their leaders and organizations through their Administrative function. This award category is available in the Dallas Fort Worth market only.
Items to include in your nomination:
- Describe how the Admin has overcome adversity either at work and/or in their personal lives
- Describe how this Admin is not afraid to take on massive challenges and find creative ways of a reaching a goals and objectives
- How does this Admin energize and inspire those around them with their ‘can-do’ attitude and approach
- Share examples of how this Admin is not afraid to take risks to accomplish their objectives
- Provide any other details of how this Admin sees no limits to the possibilities…of anything!
The Strategic Partnership Award
The Strategic Partnership Award is the award that demonstrates the tremendous impact an Executive Assistant and Executive team can have when they work together in true partnership to advance the needs of the organization. By utilizing the EA role to deliver greater strategic value to the executive and organization extraordinary new heights are achieved which this award category celebrates.
Items to include in your nomination:
- Provide a brief overview of the roles of both this Administrative Professional and their Executive Counterpart.
- Describe examples of how you and your Administrative or Executive counterpart partner strategically to advance the needs of the organization.
- How do the skills, talents, and attributes of this Administrative Professional and their Executive counterparts complement one another to create a more impactful partnership?
The Founders Award
The Founders Award recognizes small, medium, and large organizations that provide an exceptional work environment for Administrative Professionals. This award marks the 10th award category and the only company award presented at the Admin Awards gala and is reserved for only those organizations that succeed in developing, rewarding, and retaining their Administrative community whether it be as small as one Admin or as large as hundreds of Admins.
Items to include in your response:
- Describe how your organization provides opportunities for career advancement within the administrative profession and career pathing that promotes progression in both title and compensation.
- Does the organization provide opportunities for career advancement into other roles or functions within the organization?
- Describe how your organization encourages professional development.
- How does the organization foster interaction among the internal Admin community through an Admin council or similar, and work to build camaraderie and mentorship among one another?
- Has the organization appointed an Executive Advocate or Admin Supervisor that works closely with the Admin team to ensure their opinions and perspectives are heard? If so, please describe.
- Describe how the organization shows commitment to providing a positive leadership environment for its Administrative Professionals.
- Does the organization provide opportunities for qualified Administrative Professionals to take ownership of and lead important projects?
- How does the organization demonstrate an appreciation of the contributions of the Administrative Professionals?
- If you are not an Administrative Professional or are one of several in your company, please provide contact information below for other Admins that work at your organization so that we can follow up with a survey to gain additional insight into their work environment. Please include their Name, Title, Phone Number, and Email Address. (optional)
