How to address challenges in your business award submissions

Has your business ever faced a significant setback? You’re certainly not alone. Many businesses shy away from discussing challenges in their business award submissions, fearing it will hurt their chances. However, judges often value how a company responds to adversity more than its flawless successes.

The good news is you can strategically address challenges in your award submissions, turning potential weaknesses into powerful demonstrations of resilience and growth. At Green Door Co, we specialise in crafting compelling narratives that showcase this resilience, helping you turn obstacles into opportunities for recognition.

The importance of addressing challenges

A key element in a winning award submission is acknowledging and addressing challenges. This demonstrates authenticity and transparency, building trust with the judges and revealing the human side of your business. Overcoming obstacles showcases resilience and adaptability, demonstrating your company’s ability to thrive in the face of adversity.

Judges are looking for companies that can learn and grow, and highlighting problem-solving skills showcases strategic thinking and innovation. Moreover, a story of overcoming adversity is often more engaging and memorable than a simple list of achievements, making your submission stand out.

How to strategically address challenges

When addressing challenges, choose them wisely. Avoid focusing on minor setbacks. We recommend selecting challenges that demonstrate significant impact and growth. The chosen challenge should be relevant to the award criteria. Frame challenges as opportunities for growth, focusing on the lessons learned and the positive outcomes. Reframe setbacks as catalysts for innovation and improvement.

1. Provide concrete examples and data: Stress the importance of quantifying the impact of the challenge and the results of the solutions. Use graphs, charts, and testimonials to support claims.
2. Focus on the “how” not just the “what”: Detail the specific steps taken to address the challenge. Highlight the strategies, processes, and innovations that were implemented.
3. Maintain a positive and forward-looking tone: Don’t dwell on negativity or blaming external factors. Focus on the positive outcomes and future plans.
4. Structure the challenge/response in a clear way: Ensure the judges can easily follow the problem and the solution. Use a clear structure, such as: “Challenge, Action, Result.”

Common challenges and how to address them

When addressing common challenges, consider the following:

1. Economic downturn: Showcase strategies for navigating financial difficulties. Highlight cost-saving measures, new revenue streams, and innovative business models.
2. Market disruption: Demonstrate adaptability and innovation in response to changing market conditions. Highlight new product development, market expansion, and strategic partnerships.
3. Internal challenges (e.g., restructuring, leadership changes): Showcase effective change management and employee engagement. Highlight successful communication strategies and positive outcomes.
4. Unexpected crisis (e.g., pandemic, natural disaster): Show quick thinking, and care for employees and customers. Show how the company supported the community during the crisis.

Turning challenges into strengths

Your ability to overcome challenges is a testament to your company’s strength. Use our checklist to ensure you are addressing challenges effectively.

Checklist for addressing challenges in your award submission

1. Identify relevant challenges:

• Have you selected challenges that demonstrate significant impact and growth?
• Are these challenges relevant to the award criteria?

2. Frame challenges positively:

• Have you focused on the lessons learned and positive outcomes?
• Have you reframed setbacks as catalysts for innovation?

3. Provide concrete evidence:

• Have you quantified the impact of the challenges and solutions?
• Have you included relevant data, graphs, charts, or testimonials?

4. Detail the “how”:

• Have you clearly explained the steps taken to address the challenges?
• Have you highlighted the strategies, processes, and innovations used?

5. Maintain a positive tone:

• Have you avoided dwelling on negativity or blaming external factors?
• Have you focused on positive outcomes and future plans?

6. Structure clearly:

• Is the challenge/response structured for easy understanding?
• Have you used a clear format like “Challenge, Action, Result”?

7. Address specific challenge types (if applicable):

• If addressing an economic downturn, have you highlighted financial strategies?
• If addressing market disruption, have you shown adaptability and innovation?
• If addressing internal challenges, have you showcased effective change management?
• If addressing an unexpected crisis, have you demonstrated quick thinking and community support?

8. Final review:

• Does the challenge narrative enhance your overall submission?
• Does the challenge narrative show off your company’s strengths?
• Is the narrative authentic and transparent?

Key takeaways

Don’t shy away from challenges; embrace them as opportunities to showcase your resilience and growth. Judges value honesty and the ability to learn from setbacks. Your story of overcoming adversity can be your greatest strength.

To unlock your award-winning potential, contact Green Door Co today! We specialise in crafting compelling narratives that highlight your resilience and expertise.