The Frontline Development Program was created in 2019 as an offshoot of Leadership Academy to specifically serve our frontline members. It is an opportunity for participants to broaden skills and knowledge needed to increase job effectiveness and leadership potential. This program is designed for Operators, Crew Leaders, Customer Service Reps, Field Techs, Trade Associates and anyone working on the frontlines who want to learn and grow in their career as a water professional. Participants will meet other professionals in similar roles and learn techniques to improve communication, time management and conflict resolution skills. 

Registration for the 2025 Frontline Development Series will open in May 2025.

What to Expect in the Frontline Development Series

Frontline Development is a series of six trainings taking place every other week for three months. Each class will be on a Thursday with plant or technology tours included on some class days. Specific dates, times and locations for the 2024 program can be found below. Participants will be expected to attend all 6 days of the program and participants are eligible to receive 12 MS certification/ continuing education points.

2024 Frontline Program Schedule

Day 1:  Personal DiSC Style: Understanding Yourself & Connecting with Others  August 8th 8:30am – 1:00pm

Location: GAWP in Marietta

Class Goals: 

• Understand your personality style as it relates to your leadership style and relationships.
  

Day 2:  Communication  August 22nd 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Cobb County Marietta Water Authority Quarles Water Treatment Plant

Class Goals:

• Communication Style
• Body Language, active listening
• Business writing
• Goal discussion

Day 3- Leading Yourself September 5th 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Clayton County Water Authority Shamrock Community Use Building

Class Goals: 

• Leadership Introduction
• Group Leadership Traits
• Self-Awareness & Behaviors
• Values and Goals

Day 4- Time Management September 19^th 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: John's Creek Environmental Campus (Fulton County Facility) 

Class Goals:

• How to use your time productively.
• Identify and control distractions and time wasters
• Handle paperwork more effectively
• How to prioritize work and reduce stress and anxiety

Day 5- Resolving Conflict in the Workplace  October 3rd 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Clayton County Water Authority Shamrock Community Use Building

Class Goals:

• Recognize the causes of workplace conflicts
• Understand how different communication styles can create disagreements
• Learn to use practical conflict resolution tips that show respect to others.
  

Day 6- Cross Cultural Awareness October 17^th 8:30 – 1:00pm

Location: GAWP, Marietta

Class Goals:

• Cultural Awareness
• Boost awareness about different types of diversity.
• Appreciate differences among co-workers to insure a positive work environment
• Learn strategies to increase communication with co-workers
  
• Graduation

Thank you to the GAWP Annual Sponsors and Utility Leadership Patrons
who make this program possible!

Who is eligible to participate?

GAWP's Utility Leadership Patrons, receive FREE allocated registrations annually for the Leadership Academy and Frontline program included in their sponsorship. More information on the specific number of registrations allocated annually can be found on the sponsorship pages linked above.

GAWP Individual Members from Utilities or Corporations who are not Sponsors or Patrons may register and pay the $1,250 fee per person for the course. A limited number of scholarships are available to individuals from small utilities.

Questions regarding the program and registration can be directed to Jennifer Flowers at jflowers@gawp.org or 678-540-7322.