The Colleen Barrett Award for Administrative Excellence is the Admin Awards’ highest honor and the pinnacle of recognition in the Administrative Profession. This award is reserved for the Administrative Professionals who best embody the extraordinary qualities that defined Colleen Barrett’s own journey, from legal secretary to President and Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Airlines.
Colleen’s influence not only transformed her own career but helped shape Southwest’s legendary culture and unprecedented success. The recipient of this award will exemplify those same qualities - qualities that elevate leaders, strengthen organizations, and leave a lasting impact.
These qualities form the very foundation of the Colleen Barrett Award for Administrative Excellence, the guiding criteria by which nominees are measured. They include:
- 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
How to Craft a Winning Nomination?
Insider Tips
Your Admin is Exceptional. Let's Make Sure the Judges Know it Too.
A winning nomination isn’t about flashy words or empty praise - it’s about telling a story that captures their impact, achievements, and their irreplaceable role in your organization. The best nominations bring their contributions to life with real examples and heartfelt appreciation. Follow these tips to craft a submission that stands out and gives your Admin the recognition they deserve.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.