Thursday 23 March 2006

Awards Winner has Fond MEA Memories

As the call for nominations resounds throughout Queensland we spoke with Ann Radke, 2005 Queensland Rural and Remote Manager of the Year, about her perspective on the Management Excellence Awards program.

What was the most rewarding part of the 2005 Awards?

One of the really exciting things about the 2005 awards was the number of winners from regional Queensland. There are lots of absolutely amazing things happening in rural and regional Queensland, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to highlight this.

I also see it as recognition of the innovative and progressive things that are happening in my part of rural Queensland, the Atherton Tablelands west of Cairns. Public recognition has the wonderful effect of giving the whole region a boost, and helps to engender a positive 'can-do' feeling in the community, and a feeling of pride amongst the local people.

What did you think of the MEA process?

It was a great opportunity to stop, reflect, and take stock of where our business is at regarding our overall strategic plan and our management processes. We review our company performance and our strategic plan regularly, but the MEA added an extra dimension to that review which has been enormously valuable. Nothing beats a bit of outside pressure and scrutiny!

I really enjoyed the selection and interview process, and the chance that this presented to me to meet and mix with people who I would not normally get a chance to rub shoulders with. So, the MEA has been a wonderful opportunity for a 'little country business' to rise to another level. I am very grateful to AIM for the opportunity, and I can now proudly present myself as FAIM!

Would you recommend the MEA process to other managers?

Yes, most definitely. It is a very valuable and worthwhile process of personal and business development. Of course it's great to win, but the process itself is hugely beneficial, and for that reason alone I would encourage rural managers to 'go for it!'.

Nominate someone you know who stands out in the crowd!