Subject: Strategically Impaired – GEA News

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Newsletter #38
October 09, 2018
Strategically Impaired?
Strategic Planning doesn't have to be difficult

All organizations operate with some kind of strategy. Unfortunately, in many cases, the strategy just emerges as day-to-day tactics. The organization builds momentum and continues to roll in the same direction until it hits a roadblock, a "strategic impairment."

Strategic planning doesn't have to be difficult, but it does involve a clear analytical process. A sound strategic plan should generate a unified focus and teamwork. It should provide employees with:
  • A clear understanding of direction.
  • A sense of purpose.
  • The ability to set appropriate priorities and make smart decisions.
Read more about the strategic planning process in a new article by Pete Tosh in the GEA blog and learn how GEA and the Focus Group can assist your organization with an effective strategic planning process. 

Register Now for the GEA Fall Conference

You won't want to miss the 2018 GEA Fall Conference! This year's event is packed with interesting speakers and critical topics that will bring you up to date on the latest HR, legal, and regulatory trends and developments.

Here are just a few of the topics on the agenda:
  • The "Me Too" Movement
  • Millennials: The New Workforce
  • Lessons In Leadership
  • Proven Initiatives for Retaining Your Organization's Talent
Join us on Wednesday, November 7 for a round of golf at the beautiful Preserve Course at Lake Oconee, followed by the conference on Thursday.

There's complete information about the event and the speakers on the GEA website. Click the button to learn more.
GEA Welcomes Chris Murphy

New Membership Development Director

Georgia Employers’ Association is pleased to welcome Chris Murphy to the team as our new Membership Development Director. Chris comes to GEA with 20 years of management and business development experience with Chick-fil-A organizations in the Atlanta area, where he worked with operators to develop satellite locations in popular venues like Turner Field and the World Congress Center. He is excited to bring his skills and experience to GEA, where he will focus on expanding awareness of GEA services among Georgia businesses and continued expansion of the association’s membership base.

Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from West Georgia University. Chris and his wife Kristen live in Macon and have two daughters. After hours, Chris enjoys an occasional round of golf, working with his church, and lots of family time.
Workplace Politics and Political Donations

With the midterm elections around the corner, HR professionals are again faced with the thorny problem of politics in the workplace. In a recent article on the ADP Spark blog, author David Rodeck clarifies a few of the most controversial issues surrounding political expression and solicitation of political donations in the workplace.

Here are the salient points:
  1. Generally, private sector employers may limit political discussions in the workplace. Rules should be incorporated in a workplace policy and applied consistently to all employees.
  2. Policy should also exist that covers workplace solicitation, for political and other causes.
  3. The 2010 Citizens United case removed limits on corporate political spending and affirmed the “personhood” of corporations and corporations’ right to free speech. Corporations may solicit political donations from employees, but participation must be voluntary. Retaliation against employees who fail to participate is prohibited by law.
Apart from the legal aspects of political activity in the workplace, it’s important to consider the wisdom of organizationally-sponsored political expression. In a large organization, employees’ political beliefs can span a wide spectrum. Too much politics in the workplace can create polarization and discord and can be counterproductive to morale and organizational interests.


Note: Articles published or cited in the GEA newsletter are informational and not intended as legal advice. GEA recommends that you consult a legal professional for assistance with your workplace policies.
Leadership Training Series Continues in October

The next session in GEA's popular leadership training series is scheduled for October 24 in Macon. Even if you haven't attended the earlier sessions, you're welcome to join us for this valuable workshop. Here's what's on the agenda for October:
  • Employee Engagement
  • Avoiding Discrimination and Harassment Situations
  • Foundations of Customer Service
  • And much more . . .
The Leadership Series provides valuable training for new supervisors and for experienced team leads who want to sharpen their skills. Click the button for more information and online registration.
Visit our website to see the complete list of Upcoming Workshops and Events!

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