30 June 2008

Life Still Good After the MEAs

As a former finalist of the Management Excellence Awards, Prakash Himatlal Dhupelia continues to experience international recognition. AIM Qld & NT spoke with Prakash who reflected on his MEA experience and how it changed his life.

What made you decide to take part in the Management Excellence Awards?

The Management Excellence Awards can be likened to “Managerial Olympics” – pacing through one’s breadth of knowledge and depth of expertise.

An award is a scorecard to benchmark one’s own performance, however, more importantly the program is a self reflection exercise which provides momentum for continuous, personal improvement, and an opportunity to mingle and interact with peers. It is recognition of inspirational leadership.

What long standing benefits did you take away from your involvement in the MEAs?

I proudly tell people of my participation in the Awards, on a regular basis. I find that it never fails to make an impact. In fact, I have found that the award is internationally admired and recognised – people tend to translate the recognition of excellent management skills into expected, or potential, business excellence.

What was the best part of the MEA Program?

Continuing the “managerial olympics“ analogy, I felt proud to be recognised for a combination of managerial and intellectual prowess. Whilst the evaluation process was well regimented and structured, I enjoyed the challenge itself – I had set an objective to demonstrate best management practices and was proud to be recognised for that.

How do you feel differently about yourself having been recognised for your management and leadership excellence?

The MEA program recognises leaders for their achievements, and places new leaders amongst experienced leaders. I often reflect on my achievements and my certificate is proudly displayed in my office wherever I am placed in the world.

I feel proud to be ranked with successive peers like Richard Cottee, the 2007 Professional Manager of the Year. To me it is a bit like an annuity in best management practices – the Award’s value grows each time entrepreneurial managers are recognised.

What advice would you offer to managers who are undecided about nominating for the MEAs?

To be nominated is a great honour, and to be a finalist is lifelong branding and formal recognition that should be highly valued.

If you think you may have limitations, this is a litmus test to shift your paradigm in a positive direction by taking up the challenge and going through the assessment.

Would you recommend entering the MEAs to other managers?

I would encourage participation without hesitation. It allows one to take time to reflect on their own performance and achievements, which one does not usually have time to do. The MEA is in itself an adhesive between success and recognition…if I could apply again, I would except that my current overseas location is my current major barrier.

In terms of the application process – the mentoring service, online help, and personal service that the Institute offers make the process extremely user friendly.

Nominations are now open for the business community to nominate inspiring and innovative managers in Queensland and the Northern Territory for the prestigious MEAs. Nominations close 14 July 2008.