I was speaking with a colleague the other day about the Difference Maker Diversity Awards, she said
that she was a bit too busy to stop and think about this award opportunity.
I was thinking that whilst I understand we are all busy, I also thought how we don’t
do ourselves any favours when we don’t share the good things we are doing to
champion diversity on boards.
I know it takes time, energy and concentration to complete an awards
nomination form but ours is so simple and it can bring great benefits. Here are
a few I could think of
1.
Boosting the person or organisation you nominate’s profile
Winning an award is guaranteed to give you a higher profile within the industry. This
award offers the opportunity to receive lots of media attention, and all
nominees will be acknowledged.
2.
Boosting credibility
Whether you win the award or not, the simple fact that you have been
nominated signals to the sector that you are worthy of their attention.
3.
Increased confidence in the board and the business
A higher profile and boost to your credibility or the board’s credibility
can bring more business. If you are good enough for an award, who
is going to argue with it? You get to say ‘Award Winning’ in your marketing
material!
4.
Publicity
An award nomination is a great story to use in your media efforts
particularly at a local level. It gives you a story for your press
release which will capture media attention. This could bring new and diverse
board members who see you as inclusive.
5.
Recognise your own achievements or your boards achievements
In many ways this is the most significant reason for preparing your
nomination form. The questions really make you think. You need to analyse
what you have done, how you have done it, what worked and what didn’t.
Too often we look at what we have done wrong. Completing a nomination forces
our attention towards the things we’ve done right.
Nominations for the Difference Maker Diversity Awards are easy - you can self-nominate or be nominated by another individual
or organisation. You will be asked the following:
Individual Award Nomination
1. Describe
the leadership shown and actions taken by the nominee to promote, encourage and
champion diversity on a board.
2. Demonstrate
how the action(s) towards diversity have improved the board and/or
organisation.
Board Award Nomination
1.
Describe
the strategies implemented to promote diversity on the board.
2. Demonstrate
the outcome(s) that have been achieved because of the improved diversity on the
board.
Winners
will be presented with a trophy, certificate and an opportunity to present at
the August Unconvention as part of the Engaging Young Leaders on Aged Care and
Community Boards program.
I urge you to give it a go!