In our annual search for OfficeNinjas All-Stars, we’ve read thousands of stories to identify and recognize some of the brightest leaders in the Admin+ profession. Needless to say, we know a stand-out nomination when we see it. And we look forward to seeing even more of them in this year’s call for our 2022 OfficeNinjas All-Stars!

We want you to have the best possible shot at winning. So to help you and your colleagues craft eye-catching entries that communicate your accomplishments, personality, and All-Star qualities, we’ve compiled seven nomination tips.

Keep them in mind as you craft your self-nomination, and be sure to share this article with your coworkers when you ask for their support (for more on that, see Tip 2).

In addition to honoring five individual All-Stars, we’ll also be recognizing one powerhouse OfficeNinjas All-Stars Team! Whether you’re part of a team or flying solo, an OfficeNinjas All-Star Award is yours to win!

In the spirit of this year’s Admin+ Month theme “Together we Build,” we encourage you to show up for yourself or team by pursuing the recognition you deserve — and helping to elevate the profession in the process. It all starts with a stellar nomination. So let’s dig in.

7 Tips for a Winning OfficeNinjas All-Star Nomination

Tip #1: Visit the All-Star Hall of Fame

We can’t think of a better way to start things off than with a shot of inspiration. Our All-Star Hall of Fame gives you access to interviews with every winner in All-Star history. Check it out to learn from the greats and get a sense of the types of accomplishments that really shine. And remember: if you can see it, you can be it!

Tip #2: Rally Your Coworkers

Chances are, your boss and coworkers would be thrilled to nominate you. (After all, it’s a free, easy way to recognize your hard work and celebrate your badassery). But they have to actually know about the All-Star Awards in order to do it.

Saying something like, “I’m pursuing a professional award, and your support would mean a lot to me,” is a great opener. Even easier? Use our handy Nomination Request Email Template to reach out.

Tip #3: Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

A few sincere nominations filled with detailed examples of your accomplishments paint a much better picture than 50 generic nominations.

Case in point: 2017 All-Star Erica Kelley caught our attention with just seven nominations from her coworkers. That year, some other nominees received up to six times as many nominations. But the nominations for Erica were thoughtful and filled with detailed examples of her stellar work — from launching new office-wide systems to flawlessly executing off-site meetings.

Tip #4: Show, Don’t Tell

We get a lot of “My Admin+ coworker is amazing!” messages. Of course, you’re amazing. But what exactly makes you amazing?

Not sure what we mean? Read this nomination for 2018 winner Nicki Bartels:

Under Nicki’s supervision, our proposal process is on autopilot. Nicki standardized a pricing structure and spreadsheet that not only generates our proposals but also automatically takes the proposal information and creates work plans and accounting templates to essentially automate our overhead project kickoff activities. This not only makes our proposal process easy, but it also drives our team to higher profit margins through efficiency.

This nomination that details what she did and why, made a huge impression on our nomination review panel. Go, Nicki!

Tip #5: Set Yourself Apart

Multi-tasking capabilities, strong organizational skills, tech savviness — Admin+ professionals have these qualities in spades. Your nominations should spotlight the unique qualities and accomplishments that make you an All-Star. How do you improve the quality of your workplace and elevate the role of Office Ninja in your own special way?

For example, not long after being hired by CHG Healthcare, 2018 All-Star Kellie Edwards co-founded a summit for all of her organization’s EAs, many of whom had never met face to face. Years later, the summit continues to meet on an annual basis.

Kellie helped create a program so her fellow EAs could share information, learn new skills, and feel connected and supported. That’s an OfficeNinjas All-Star right there!

2021’s All-Star Team Slalom GOOLT also shone bright by sharing the annual scorecard system it introduced to track its own impact on the community. OfficeNinjas All-Stars exemplify intentionality and excellence, and this example set GOOLT apart by demonstrating both.

Tip #6: Balance Work and Life

The Admin+ community is a vibrant, diverse group, and our All-Star lineup reflects that. In addition to your professional accomplishments, we want to know about your personal skills and passions that aren’t defined by your role. So, bring on your over-the-top Oscar parties (2017 All-Star Jamie Caban); that time you gave your company president the perfect haircut (2018 All-Star Verlance Friar), or your side hustle as a baker (2019 All-Star Zoila Primo). We want to know what inspires your life outside of the office!

Speaking of balancing work and life, 2020 All-Star Tricia Kalchbrenner spearheaded a new family leave program at her organization to help promote work-life balance. Here’s what one nominator had to say about her impact:

Trish was one of our first working moms and has forged a place for new moms (and dads) at WS to feel like they have the support of each other and the office. She advocated for more mother’s rooms and worked toward helping secure longer maternal and paternal leave policies. She’s a dedicated working mom who seamlessly balances two sweet babies and the needs of employees across three offices.

Tip #7: Don’t Wait

Nominations for the 2022 All-Star Awards close on Friday, March 25, 2022.

But don’t wait until the last minute to ask for your coworkers’ support. The sooner you ask, the more time and space they’ll have to reflect on your brilliance — and to convey it to us! If they have any questions that you’re unable to answer, feel free to email our team for back-up. We’re here to help.

Quick Warm Up

What’s one thing you’ve “built” this year that makes you an All-Star? Get warmed up by sharing in the comments. (Yes, we’re asking you to publicly brag a little.) Then, be sure to include it in your nomination!