If you are nominating someone for this year's Women in Collision Awards we thought we would publish a couple of last year's winning entries to give you ideas for your own submission. Also a few hints and tips. For instance, if you work for a larger business like an MSO, a hail company or an industry supplier we suggest selecting a nomination co-ordinator. Sometimes we get multiple nominations for one person - and while that is great, it is much easier for the judging panel - made up of last year's winners - to read one nomination. So why not combine what people have to say rather than making multiple entries?
You need to write more than one sentence particularly the last questions about what your nominee brings to the business and what sets them apart from others.
You can nominate a team member, a colleague or a women from an industry supplier here. Nominations close on 24 November.
We'll kick off with the winning entry for Zara Dickie from Compass in the Industry Supplier Representative category.
What is the nominee's job title?
Claims Manager
Tell us about their role. Tasks performed etc.
Zara manages a team of 19 at Compass. We place not at fault clients into replacement cars when they are involved in accident and while vehicle is undergoing repair work. Zara and her team qualify the opportunity to place clients in cars by working with repairers, tow truck operators, insurance companies, dealerships, at fault and not at fault parties as well as the sales and logistic teams at Compass. She has an incredible knowledge of insurance companies, motor vehicles and the law which ensure a high performing team.
What do they like about the job and the company you work in?
She loves the challenge of providing a better service than the insurance companies can offer and getting customers restored to their position when they are not at fault.
Tell us about any training they have undertaken to improve the skills they bring to business, any involvement with industry groups, local communities, charity work etc.
Zara has undertaken the Australian Institute of Management Leadership Course, as well as numerous training and development courses and is heavily involved in the netball community. She is an extremely supportive boss, with a high drive to do better tomorrow than she did today & this is the culture she embeds in her team.
What do you think they bring to the business personally that might set them apart from others? This is the bit the judges will be reading carefully so make your nominee stand out - the more detail the better.
She has been with Compass over 12 years and is a constant source of information about how things get done and supports this with a real can-do attitude. No matter how busy she is, she always makes time to solve other people's problems, often after hours. Every interaction I have with her, I am better at my job as a result. Her customer service ethic and knowledge of the industry make her invaluable. She promotes a high-performance culture within her team by ensuring reward and accountability are applied.
Margaret Bauer from Cooma Crash Repairs in NSW who was one of the two winners in the Administration category.
What is the nominee's job title?
Office Manager
Tell us about their role in the autobody repair facility they work in. Tasks performed etc.
Management of all vehicles in and out of the workshop, handling of insurance claims, payroll and staff manager. General manager who controls and deals with every part of the business.
What do they like about the job and the company you work in?
Dealing with people from all walks of life is Margaret's gift. No two days are ever the same. While some people can be difficult and demanding, others are incredibly generous and understanding and even come bearing gifts of gratitude! Margie is absolutely gifted in dealing with ll people in every situation, always calm, gently spoken and respectful. She enjoys meeting all kinds of people all day long.
Tell us about any training they have undertaken to improve the skills they bring to business, any involvement with industry groups, local communities, charity work etc.
At the centre of Margie's life is her strong faith. It gives her a healthy dose of humility and respect not found in your average bear! She has a heart for people that is reflective of a long nursing career before working in a complete change of industry. She is generous and forgiving to a fault. Various life experiences and careers has given her a rounded perspective that is incredibly valuable. She is constantly bettering her own understanding of all things through various education and training programs. She is also a strong advocate for our staff who she is constantly encouraging to peruse further education.
What do you think they bring to the business personally that might set them apart from others? This is the bit the judges will be reading carefully so make your nominee stand out - the more detail the better.
Margaret has a delightful and sunny disposition. She is ALWAYS happy and upbeat, never ever moody or sad, completely regardless of her own concerns. She personally greets every single customer with such warmth and genuine concern that customers are immediately made feel confident and at ease. She is able to smooth over ruffled feathers quickly and efficiently and this is reflective of her incredible communication skills. Everything is genuine, not spoken automatically and beautifully adapted to help the person understand a complicated and lengthy process. She is gorgeous with children but outstanding when dealing with the elderly. Her customer service and attention to detail is out of this world. We are so proud to have her working for us and still can't believe our luck that she has chosen to stay. Margie has been our most devoted and reliable staff member for over 6 years and has barely missed a day of work. Her delightful personality is infectious and a pleasure to be around. She visibly lifts the spirits of all around her and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as our most valued staff member. She is one of a kind and an incredible asset to our business that we do not take for granted.