We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Dr. Sunethra Jayaratne Nugawela, a beloved mentor, visionary leader, and tireless advocate for administrative professionals. Dr. Nugawela was the founder of the Academy for Administrative Professionals in Sri Lanka and a guiding light for many across the Asia Pacific region. Through her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication, she uplifted countless lives and transformed the profession she so passionately served. Dr Nugawela had already submitted an article for this issue of the magazine, so we have decided to print it in her memory.
My philosophy is to leave a legacy as a leader, a kind-hearted superior, a dedicated staff member, and a passionate colleague. This will last while you are at work, even in retirement and thereafter. My family is my world. Each and every one who crosses my path is a jewel. I am nothing without you people in my life.
I invite you to aspire to even greater achievements than I have accomplished. The path forward is to dream big, set goals, and find self-satisfaction by being extraordinary.
“I would rather be a tiny bird with a wingspan, flying in the vast and dangerous sky, than a lion living in a golden cage.”
Success is an unconditional philosophy provided you ignore negativity. It reminds me of the deaf frog’s story. It reached the top because it did not hear any good or bad. Strive, identify potential abilities, and expand your capabilities. No one can stop you!
Awards are designed to recognize your dedication, inspiration, integration, competencies, and humanity. It will reach you at an unexpected hour. So do good as much as you can, and you will undoubtedly be a winner—in fact, an astonishing award winner!
I did it. I am inviting you to try it. You deserve it, and you surely will reach your destination.
Since being honored with the esteemed title of International Office Manager of the Year 2024, conferred by the Office Management Group in the United Kingdom, I have immersed myself in a range of activities that have enriched my experience and broadened my perspective.
The phrase “better late than never” captures the essence of my return to writing. My mission is to inspire and motivate professionals, particularly those in office settings, to pursue excellence in their careers. These goals may be tough, but cultivating a mindset of perseverance is vital for achieving lasting success both professionally and personally. This philosophy has been a guiding force throughout my journey.
This notable milestone, the International Office Manager Award, is particularly meaningful to me, as I had the privilege of becoming the first recipient from the Asia Pacific region to achieve this distinction. It is a moment I will forever cherish due to the dedication and hard work it represents.
Receiving this honor has had a profound impact on my career ladder, opening doors to increased recognition and visibility within my field. It has also fostered escalating personal growth, pushing me to develop new skills and broaden my professional network. This experience has truly encapsulated a range of professional rewards, reinforcing the value of commitment and excellence in my work.
I feel that it’s important to differentiate between awards and rewards, as both serve to acknowledge accomplishments but do so in distinct ways.
An award is a formal recognition given to honor exceptional achievements, such as my recent accolade. These are typically awarded based on merit and are celebrated during formal events, which adds to their significance.
In contrast, rewards are incentives that aim to encourage specific behaviors or performance outcomes. Unlike awards, rewards can be given in a variety of settings, both private and public, and often occur more frequently throughout the year. These are usually determined by individual decision-makers and can vary widely depending on specific criteria or achievements.
Understanding these differences has helped me appreciate the various forms of recognition that exist in the professional landscape.
Incorporating awards and rewards within a professional environment can lead to:
- Encouraging employees to reach their highest potential
- Enhancing morale and overall job satisfaction
- Increasing employee retention rates
- Fostering a positive and supportive organizational culture
- Reinforcing desired behaviors and outcomes
- Enhancing engagement and aligning efforts with organizational goals
Achievement nurtures an invigorating sense of pride and self-esteem at every stage of our life. It embodies the triumphant victory that emerges from unwavering focus and relentless determination, fostering a strong belief in ourselves while enhancing our courage and confidence. This vital concept, known as self-esteem, informs how we value and perceive our own identities, shaped intricately by our personal beliefs and subjective opinions.
The framework of the 5 Cs – Competence, Confidence, Character, Connection, and Caring –highlights the essential components of our positive self-worth and mastery over our lives. Among these, competence stands out, representing our honest assessment of our capabilities within our specific professions or endeavors. This self-evaluation not only enables us to recognize our strengths but also drives us to strive for improvement and excellence, empowering us to conquer challenges and reach new heights.
My studies, analysis, interviews, involvements, and commitment drove me towards the 4 Bs: Being, Belonging, Believing, and Benevolence.
Being (Personal)
Individuals with a sense of being experience inner peace and self-acceptance. They maintain a grounded and grateful perspective of who they have become, extending care and generosity to others while actively seeking personal redemption and forgiveness. I am happy I have and will be a personality of “Being”.
Belonging (Social)
Individuals with a sense of belonging find connection within meaningful communities that are remarkable to their personal and professional lives.
Believing (Ethical/Spiritual)
A sense of believing encompasses guiding values and principles that shape our behavior. While many find comfort in a higher power that offers moral guidance, ethical behavior is not exclusive to religious beliefs. We all need to believe in a system of moral principles that guide our lives and relationships. Adhering to these tenets adds meaning during both joyful and challenging times. I am believing in myself and confident in my life.
Benevolence
Benevolence is a simple term that embodies good intentions toward all living beings, including oneself. This goodwill is expressed through warmth, friendliness, compassion, decency, fair play, kindness, altruism, generosity, and love. A benevolent heart leans toward others. We have all experienced benevolence and know what it feels like to wish someone well. Life’s moments can be rewarding, mundane, or challenging. We naturally care for ourselves and our families, striving to protect and nurture their wellbeing. I am glad that I have a personality of “Benevolence”.
I possess the qualities discussed above. My intention has always been to do good and to help others. I did not initially plan for personal recognition, but my journey of research, implementation, and embracing challenges has propelled me to become someone special. I never expected employers or anyone else to recommend me for any award, but I chose to share my experiences with the world. So the world awarded me, making all stakeholders in my life proud.
