How to Write a Letter for an Outstanding Leader Award

Writing a letter to support a person up for an award requires a professional tone of voice.

Nominating someone being considered for an award follows the same process as writing a letter recommending him for any other position or accolade. You must write the letter in a professional tone and use specific points of reference about the person to get your point across. Being able to write the ideal letter to support someone who is up for an outstanding leader award requires you to know the depths of the person's leadership abilities and qualifications.

Things You'll Need

• List of person's achievements
• Business card or contact sheet for you
• Highlighter

Instructions

1. Read through the information pertaining to the award. Contact the organization, entity, agency or business sponsoring the award. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the award and what the award committee is seeking. Highlight information in the documents that pertains to the information you can provide or discuss.

2. Obtain the full and correct spelling of the formal name the person being nominated uses for professional purposes. You should do this even if you know the person, as some people use full names while other utilize nicknames. Write down all information and verify the spelling of all names.

3. List your full name, address and contact information at the top of the letter. Add the organization name and address where you are sending the letter under your information. Address the letter to the contact person in charge of reviewing candidates for the leader award. If you cannot locate the exact name of the person overseeing the award, use a vague introductory term, such as, "Dear Members of the Selection Committee."

4. State the purpose of the letter up front. Say that you are writing on behalf of "John Doe" regarding the outstanding leader award. Introduce yourself at the beginning of the letter by giving a brief overview of yourself, including information such as your employment position, if you have involvement with the organization hosting the award and how you relate to the leadership award selection process. Use examples of your education, career and community standing to state why you feel your opinion matters in the award selection process.

5. State how you know "John Doe" and use specific examples, such as if you grew up together, if he mentored you or your children, or if the two of you have a long-standing personal or professional relationship. Give examples of leadership qualities you have personally witnessed. List examples of how the person you are supporting has made a difference in the community by using her leadership qualities for the greater good.

6. Close the letter by letting the award committee or individual know you are available for additional details and information. Include any press clippings you may have that help to illustrate the reason the person you are supporting deserves to be recognized as an outstanding leader.

Tips & Warnings

• Have another person review your letter for grammar and clarity before submitting.

• Keep a copy for your files.

• Do not lie or inflate facts.

References

• American Society of Civil Engineers: How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
• Yale University: Writing Letters of Recommendation
• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society: The Right Way to Approach Writing Recommendation Letters