Qualities of a good leader include integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, resilience, vision, influence, and positivity.

Summit’s Transcending Everest Award is given to an individual who demonstrates a unique ability to guide and inspire others. 

Individuals nominated should exhibit the following qualities:

• Excellence in collaboration.  This individual works effectively with others to produce positive results.
• Excellence in commitment.  A deeply committed staff member demonstrates a dedication to their work, which in turn contributes to the vibrancy of Summit.
• Excellence in innovation.  An innovative leader shows outstanding creativity when confronted with challenges, issues, or a desire for improvement. 
• Excellence in leadership.  A strong leader demonstrates a unique ability to guide and inspire others.
• Excellence in learning.  This leader ensures that learning is integrated with work, and uses the knowledge gained to improve business results.

Comment from a Summit employee: "Randy is the epitome of a good leader. He embodies many admirable qualities that include dedication, loyalty, integrity, humility, compassion, empathy, and empowerment. Randy has a lot to do with why Summit is a such a special company. I truly believe that he wholeheartedly cares for every single person who works for Summit. He is encouraging and inspirational. His commitment to Summit's mission and employees is clearly fueled by his passion to serve others. His heart shines through his actions and genuine smile."

Summit’s Making a Difference Award is given to an individual who offer something that is not required or is an obligation.  For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge.

Individuals nominated should exhibit the following qualities:

• Passion and dedication for a cause
• Willingness to give their time.
• Desire to make a difference.

Nate volunteers his time by serving on the Board of Directors for the Never Alone Foundation and is passionate about the mission of this organization. 

The Never Alone Foundation is committed to the international adoption community by providing a common place in which to discover kindred fellowship in family.

One of the big events the foundation puts on is a ball in which many team members from the Colorado Springs office participate. If you ever speak to Nathan about this foundation, you will hear his passion to help the foundation succeed. Congrats, Nate!

Summit’s Helping Hand Award is given to an individual who is committed to a common purpose, share specific performance goals, and hold each other mutually accountable.

Individuals nominated should exhibit the following qualities:

• Create an environment that promotes communication, trust, cooperation, and respect for differences.
• Deliver a significant benefit or value to Summit.
• Work toward a common goal while being supportive and motivational of each other.
• Work effectively as part of a team to successfully accomplish a task or meet a goal.
• Develop partnerships that seeks input and involvement of those affected by decisions.
• Accept responsibility and accountability in helping to advance the Summit’s mission or departmental goals.
• Placed team goals above personal goals while achieving a distinctive result or product.

Pam is consistent in performing high in all of above-mentioned categories. Specifically in the month of April, several staff were out of the office and Pam stepped up and took charge. She made certain that all the daily duties in the office were taken care of, even with the phone ringing off the hook! She was cheerful and graceful when asked to help with tasks that normally fell on others in the office. Pam is really good about this every day, but she really shone brightly when we needed her most!

Summit’s Super Satisfactory Expialidocious Award is given to an individual who surpasses client expectations by attending to our client’s needs while displaying professionalism.

Individuals nominated should exhibit the following qualities:

• Proactive: This individual is proactive in reaching out to our clients.
• Knowledgeable: This individual has a strong knowledge of Summit, products and can fix any problems that may arise.
• Patience: Patience is crucial when working with clients. Clients reach out to us and want to be supported.
• Active listening skills: Being listened and handled with patience helps alleviate client frustrations. This individual must be willing to take time to listen to and fully understand each client’s problems and needs.
• Ability to communicate clearly: The ability to communicate clearly when working with clients is a key skill because miscommunications can result in disappointment and frustration. The best customer service professionals know how to keep their communications with customers simple and leave nothing to doubt
• Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another —the ability to empathize with a client and convey a message that steers things toward a better outcome can often make all the difference.
  

Becky is always warm and friendly in her interactions with those she encounters. Certain times during the year our Madison office becomes extremely busy with back to back meetings.  During these busier times, Becky provides the same level of client service that she does on a normal day.

Becky has worked with clients for many years and knows each client’s “story”. Becky has developed strong relationships with her clients and shares in their joys and sorrows. Becky’s client service skills are exceptional. She is a huge asset to Summit and is very deserving of this award.

Summit’s Standing Ovation Award is given to an individual that strives to constantly develop new and existing skills to increase their overall performance within the company.

• Willingness to go above and beyond what is written in their job description.
• Keep the work flowing smoothly.
• Follow directions enthusiastically.
• Not afraid of challenges
• Creative thinking
• Leadership qualities
• Striving to constantly develop new and existing skills.

Nicole consistently demonstrates the ability to keep the work flowing in the planning department and steps in wherever she is needed. When you speak to Nicole, you hear the passion she has for planning and her eagerness to share her knowledge. She tackles challenges with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. 

Summit’s Beyond the Call of Duty Award is given to an individual who has a passion for their work and demonstrates a strong feeling of support and loyalty for Summit, and by exhibiting the following qualities:

• Positive attitude
• Punctuality / high attendance for all work-related events and meetings
• Flexibility, especially when it comes to change
• Demonstrates initiative
• High work ethic
• Reputation of getting things done
• Positive attitude and demeanor in personal interactions with other employees and/or clients.

Lacey received this reward because of her consistency in going above and beyond for our clients. She is quick to take on additional responsibilities, performs her job at a high level and demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to clients. Each interaction with Lacey is pleasant and her sense of humor will have you laughing in no time!

Learning and improving is a life-long process.  Employees learn from their failures and improve their skills. 

Summit’s Green Thumb Award is given to an individual who displays exemplary improvement at their respective work.  They display the eagerness to fuel the zeal amongst the other employees to rise above, paving the way towards continual improvement and by exhibiting the following qualities:

• Putting in the extra effort to take their game to the next level
• Ability to tackle big projects
• Excel in their chosen area of focus
• Drives excellence by fostering appreciation and strengthening relationships
• Commitment to initiatives that support professional development

Starr not only exhibits these described traits but she always steps up and goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She fully supports the team and is always there to help out in any aspect.