By Lori S. Goldsmith, SPHR, GPHR

One of my new followers on Twitter, @Kyle McShane, asked me how Tai Chi has helped me in HR.  My immediate thought was how Tai Chi has taught me to have an “open mind and open heart”.  I started practicing Taoist Tai Chi in September 2000 as a last ditch effort to save myself from back surgery. Quickly, I discovered that it is more far more than just an exercise program. It is a way of life.

“Tai Chi does not mean oriental wisdom or something exotic.  It is the wisdom of your own senses, your own mind and body together as one process.” ~ Chungliang Al Huang

Before, I started practicing Tai Chi, if you had asked me to describe myself, I would have answered, “naturally helpful.” I’ve been volunteering since I was in the first grade.  When I found out that Taoist Tai Chi instructors are accredited volunteers, I was deeply impressed.  Instructors teach classes because they want to give back.  Think they are engaged employees? From the beginning, I sensed the positive synergy and even though I never seemed to be on the right foot or facing in the right direction, I knew I wanted to progress in my training and demonstrate the dedication, and strength of character to be asked to “set lead.”  Set leaders, instructors, branch council members are not viewed as being on a higher level.  We are viewed just as having made a larger commitment to the Society by acceptance of additional responsibilities.

Master Moy Lin-Shin was the founder of The International Taoist Tai Chi Society.  He was a sickly child.  His parents sent him to the Shaolin temple in China because of the Taoist monks’ reputation for healing and longevity.  As a result of his improved health, Master Moy was eager to give back and share his knowledge so others could regain their health.  Master Moy was a servant leader.  Tai Chi schools are usually named after the founding master.  He did not want to use his name; he did not even want to be called Master.  Instead, he chose to pay respect to all of the Taoist Tai Chi masters before him.

The International Taoist Tai Chi Society is the largest Tai Chi organization in the world. It is not a fighting style martial art.  It is solely for health and is the only non-profit Tai Chi organization.  It is one of my primary volunteer lives, HR Florida State Council being the other. The Society is made up of people from all walks of life, young, old and religious beliefs. In the context of HR, as an instructor, I am responsible for furthering the Aims and Objectives of the Society, a role model, leader and mentor.

In only five paragraphs, I’ve mentioned mission, alignment, engagement, leadership, health, wellness and diversity.  Hmmm…sound something like a day in the life of an HR professional.  This is the short response to Kyle’s question.  For those that want to know more read on.

The Society has four Aims and Objectives:

1. Make Taoist Tai Chi available to all
2. Promote the Health Improving Qualities of Taoist Tai Chi
3. Promote Cultural Exchange
4. To Help Others

So how does each Aim and Objective helps me as an HR professional and leader?

Make Taoist Tai Chi available to all – Dedicated to bringing Taoist Tai Chi to every community, so that its many benefits are available to all who wish to experience them. In an HR context, I relate to this objective by my responsibility as an HR professional to help guide and develop all of my employees that will most benefit them while maintaining alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Promote the Health Improving Qualities of Taoist Tai Chi – Employees healthy in body and mind are engaged employees. Zappos is a great example of feasibility of treating employees with dignity and respect and creating a fun, healthy environment to work in.  We always say that we are “Playing Tai Chi”.  The health benefits from the practice of Taoist Tai Chi are so significant that Canada has included it as part of their universal health care system.  We are all looking for ways to reduce health care costs.  Remember, it saved me from back surgery. This is an activity that can be done at any age and modified to any physical limitations.  In October 2009, I posted an article, “What Does Mom and me and Taoist Tai Chi Have to do with HR?” http://bit.ly/1UFdqd highlighting in detail the health benefits Mom and me have found by practicing Taoist Tai Chi. Can you guess where that post is coming from in an HR wellness context?

Promote Cultural Exchange - When Master Moy immigrated to Canada, he was eager to learn about Western culture as he was to share his Eastern traditions. The Society’s emphasis on cultural exchange is to promote understanding and respect among people.  For example, recently one of our Jewish members, Hal passed away.  In the Chinese tradition, we burnt paper money (not real) in an urn to assist his journey to heaven.  Afterwards, we put stones around the urn, honoring his Jewish heritage where it is customary to place stones on the grave to let your loved ones know you were there.  For me personally, it was incredibly special and comforting to give Hal this send off in the Chinese tradition while not forgetting our Jewish heritage. From an HR organizational diversity perspective, how many real diversity actions have you experienced?  Diversity is not an annual program.  It is a way of thinking.  Being neutral does not encourage diversity.  Diversity is achieved by knowledge, respect and understanding.  I once closed my office for ½ day to have a company luncheon.  Everyone was required to bring a native dish and explain something from their culture and traditions.  Native garb was an option.  What a learning and growing experience to explore our differences and our similarities with open minds and open hearts.

To Help Others – Master Moy set the example of selfless giving and compassion without seeking personal gain. The International Society makes contributions to many charities around the world including building schools after natural disasters.  Locally, every center participates in activities to better their community.  We were good “corporate citizens” and “green” before the terms were invented. In the workplace today, corporate citizenship and sustainability programs are directly linked to competitive advantage from both, a recruiting, retention and sales perspective.  SHRM released a survey that stated 35% of employees consider corporate citizenship a deciding factor whether to work for a particular organization.

Master Moy passed away in 1998. He was a man of great wisdom and foresight.   As I mentioned earlier, he was a servant leader.  Master Moy was also a Level 5 leader which Jim Collins describes in “Good to Great” as the ability of an organization to survive changes in leadership.  Master Moy structured the organization to continue the culture and mission.  On August 14, 2010 we will be celebrating our 40^th anniversary – “All Cultures Moving Together in Harmony”.  Worldwide we will simultaneously be doing our Tai Chi set at 10:00AM EST. How many organizations can demonstrate that level of commitment and engagement?

Even before practicing Tai Chi, ethics have always been important to me, both in the workplace and in my personal life. When faced with difficult decisions, in exploring alternative options, I would make my comparative “CLICK” test list:

Consequences – Who will benefit? Who will suffer?

Legal – Is the action legal?

Image – Would I want to tell this to my grandmother or my children?

Culture – Will the action support or damage the corporate culture of my organization?

Knot – Does the action cause a knot in my stomach?

I am not sure at what point in my Taoist Tai Chi practice when I had this “ah-ha” moment.  The heart of ethics, which is why my Twitter name is @heartofhr.  Master Moy had heart.  The foundation of Tony Hsieh’s great success with Zappos is heart.  Leadership sets the tone and the inspiration.  HR is the driver and architect.  Taoism and Tai Chi cannot be totally separated.  Each one develops the other. Taoist Tai Chi and HR for me cannot be separated. Each one develops the other.

Lori Goldsmith, SPHR, GPHR

I had a great time participating in the HCC Summer Youth Program, July 1st.   I was teamed up with Kim Scott from Casper’s.  We gave the students an overview of what employers are looking for and conducted mock interviews.  The students were so receptive.

It is funny how things work.  Chuck Sykes, reached out to Holly because Brian Hollands, Business Development Officer, The Corporate Training Center @ HCC did not have the resources or staff to make the 2-week program successful.  One of the reasons I love working with Holly Tomlin is her commitment to our community and her support and encouragement of our volunteer leadership roles.

The HCC Summer Youth Program was a chance to serve in a capacity near and dear to my heart.  I was on the Philadelphia Urban League Advisory Board for Job Readiness Training for six years.  When I relocated to Tampa in 1987, I joined the Tampa Hillsborough Urban League Advisory Board and served as Chairperson for the Job Readiness Training Screening Committee for eight years.  Proudly, I attended every one of their graduations from the program and watched many go on to college to become doctors, lawyers, architects and engineers.  One of my proudest moments was being recognized at the national meeting and awarded the Exemplary Volunteer of the Year award in 1994.  I was so disappointed when the government cut our program funding.  Many fond memories came flooding back and it was great to be back in the saddle again.

I wrote this poem nearly ten years ago, a few weeks after putting my dog Charly to sleep.  I made good on my promise never to let him suffer.  Until recently, only my husband and best childhood girlfriend had read the poem.  That’s when I shared the poem with a dear friend.  I know you will be able to identify with my emotions and hope this poem helps you, too.

mommy’s little angel

By Lori S. Goldsmith, SPHR, GPHR

My role as a volunteer with the HR Certification Institute means that I can’t share actual questions with you; however, I can share some of my favorite study tips while on the run.  Speaking of on the run, did you know SHRM’s 2010 Learning System has gone mobile, too?  For actual retired questions, http://www.hrci.org/assessmentexam/

If you are an auditory learner, listen to your pdf materials. Visual learners, work with flash cards in your spare moments.  The exams are not trivia tests.  Stay focused on key concepts.  Don’t try to memorize, only a small percentage of the exam is knowledge based.  If you are really crunched for time, focus on key terms.  To make sound decisions, you must know what the question is asking and understand the meaning of the choices. The exam is experiential, draw on your life experiences.

Take as many quizzes as you can.  Don’t panic if you fail miserably.  Don’t get over confident if you are acing everything.  Neither is an indication of how you will do on test day.

Most importantly, plan to pass.  Treat your exam preparation the same way you plan strategically in your business.  Do an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses and plan study time accordingly.  Make sure your study plan fits in with your lifestyle.  Write your plan down.  If you have to deviate, you know where you left off and what you have to do to get back on track. If you are taking a class or participating in a study group, come to class prepared to intelligently discuss the assignment.  If you can talk about it or write about it in your own words, you will be in a much better position on test day. One encounter with the study material is not enough for long term learning, make sure your plan includes spaced reviews.

Already PHR, SPHR, or GPHR certified, what are your favorite tips?

Michael VanDervort, author of “Human Race Horses” blog, has a great post, “Why Al Gore Should Be This Year’s SHRM Annual Keynote Speaker” http://bit.ly/7t4rnx

Margaret Finney, graciously wrote a guest post with an opposite opinion. . http://bit.ly/5FSRW3

I’m simply reacting to our reactions when we disagree with a choice or opinion. Mike pointed out in reply to me that Margaret made excellent alternative suggestions for speakers, which is absolutely true. I just believe in listening with an open mind.

There are lots of great responses on  http://www.thehumanracehorses.com/ Here was my response:

I agree with Mike’s take on the reasons why SHRM should have Al Gore as the keynote speaker.

There are even greater issues at stake here.

Setting aside the issue of global warming, when did it become a bad thing to listen to another opinion? By keeping our minds open, we might actually learn something new.  Our opinion may not change. At least we can walk away with a broader perspective.  When I was growing up my father and grandfather would give me books to read and afterwards we’d have discussions.  They would play devil’s advocate as I struggled to make my case.  Any one of us can put the spin on most anything and we do.

HR Florida received flack from having Edward James Olmos’ as a keynote.  We were told that his message was too strong and not appropriate for an HR group.  If diversity is not appropriate topic for HR folks, the ones who should be spearheading their organizational cultures into one of inclusion, then tell me who?

The real problem rests with the folks that really need to hear the message and learn. Their minds are already made up and their ears are closed. How sad for us as a nation that civility seems to be on its last breath.

We are a country founded on capitalism, so I can’t blame Al Gore for making money either.  His rivals do, too.

On the topic of global warming, whether you believe it exists or not, we have not been good stewards of our planet.  How deep of a carbon footprint do you want to leave your children, grandchildren and future generations?

.

By Lori Goldsmith, SPHR

The practice of Taoist Tai Chi internal arts & methods was my last ditch effort to avoid back surgery.  In spite of my mother witnessing my transformation, it still took me seven years to get my Mom into Taoist Tai Chi class.  Mom attended the social events, even played mahjong at the center. I just could not get Mom into class. Mom is a diabetic who suffers from advanced cardiovascular disease.  When she had triple bypass surgery in 2000, they surgeon almost did not have enough good veins in her leg to use.   It was very hard for me to watch Mom’s physical challenges increase.  A few years later, preparing for another arteriogram the M.A. could not hear a pulse in my mother’s feet.  She brought the nurse in who in turn brought the doctor in.  After turning off all of the electrical equipment and the lights to minimize the “hum”, the doctor could hear a very faint pulse in her feet.  Very frightening experience for me.

Still I could not get Mom into class. I went through the gamit of emotions and tactics. I got to the point when Mom would tell me how poorly she felt, I would just whisper, “Go to Tai Chi”. As luck would have it, Mom’s doctor left the practice and the incoming physician wanted a consult with her.  The doctor was busy reading Mom’s chart.  Mom was whispering her ailments to me and each time I whispered, “Go to Tai Chi” in response.   One of those times, the doctor overheard me and thought I said she was going to Tai Chi and was very excited.  When the doctor began his evaluation and Mom started sharing her ailments with him, guess what?  The doctor whispered, “Go to Tai Chi”.  Right then and there, I knew we had a great physician.

I came in for the “kill”.  I checked my work calendar and made arrangements to take a half-day off from work.  I told Mom that I was taking her to Health Recovery class and to lunch.  The deal was that she would make a six-month commitment to Tai Chi. If she did not want to return after six months, I would not say another word.

That was three years ago. Mom still attends health recovery class.  Earlier in the year, DRUM ROLL PLEASE – the doctor could feel a pulse in her feet with his fingers.  Considering that they could not hear a pulse through the stethoscope before Mom started Tai Chi is nothing short of miraculous in my book!

Last October, my husband, Mom and I were planning to attend the Autumn Banquet as usual when Mom fell and broke her hip. The silent auction consisted of Buddhist relics and the Tai Chi family insisted that the Brandon group bring back the holy water for Mom’s healing. That gesture still brings tears to my eyes.  Fittingly, Mom’s first outing with us was to attend the Chinese New Year Banquet.  When we pulled up Mom could not believe it, the St. Pete branch had a traffic cone in the parking spot right in front of the door, just for her.  We had Mom’s walker in the car.  Mom refused to use it.

We did arm foundations together while Mom was still in the rehab facility. Mom tried Tor-yu’s, but it was still too painful.   When Mom first came home and the therapist came over to do an evaluation, she could not believe the strength on her good side.  More amazing to both us of was the strength on the broken side.  At home, I think I may have been relentless (me, relentless?) with making Mom do foundations and a set from her wheelchair (the surgeon did clear her).   A few weeks later, Mom graduated to a dining room chair.   Mom has made an amazing full recovery.

Physically, Taoist Tai Chi saved me from back surgery, my JRA is now totally asymptomatic, and a whole host of other chronic issues have gone away.  Mom does not realize how well she is doing and how strong she has become.  You shouId see her Don-yu out of a chair or a car!  The one thing I know from the bottom of my heart that if Master Moy had not made Taoist Tai Chi available to all, I would probably would have had multiple back surgeries by now, living in chronic pain from my back and JRA; most important of all, my mother would not be here with me today.  I have not had a sinus infection in 7 or 8 years and my allergies are close to non-existent.

I would be remiss if I did not say a word about my wonderful husband, Larry, in all of this.  My husband will tell you that our only prenuptial agreement was that he was going to attend Tai Chi and enjoy it!  Yes, we practice Tai Chi at home together, too…

Who is the Taoist Tai Chi Society?

The International Taoist Tai Chi Society is a global, volunteer, non-profit organization teaching the cultivation of body and mind for people of all ages and levels.  The volunteer aspect of the organization provides many opportunities for members to contribute their time and talents for the benefit of others, and often to learn new and valuable skills in the process. The volunteer spirit of the Society extends to instruction in Taoist Tai Chi internal arts and methods, which is provided by accredited volunteer instructors.

The Society brings together people of different languages and cultures in a worldwide community focused on furthering the aims and objectives laid down by the Society’s founder, Master Moy Lin-shin.

The International Society has supported relief efforts for major disasters including September 11^th, Hurricane Katrina and Tsunami victims. The Society assists other charities whenever possible.  Fundraising campaigns have been conducted for Senior Citizens’ homes, the Arthritis Society, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, the United Way, the March of Dimes, and other charities. In addition, volunteer instructors teach classes in nursing homes, and for special needs groups such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the Cerebral Palsy Association.  Locally, my personal favorite is cleaning up our adopted road.

Aims & Objectives These aims and objectives constitute the international mission statement of the Society. They were set by Master Moy Lin-shin and are shared by all of the branches of the Society in the world. These goals, combined with the accreditation procedures for our volunteer instructors, assure that all obtain the same quality of instruction and dedicated leadership.

1. To make Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods available to all
We are dedicated to bringing these arts and methods to every community,
so that their many benefits are available to all who wish to experience them.

2. To promote the health-improving qualities of Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods
Practiced diligently, these arts and methods cultivate both body and mind to restore and maintain good health. Our efforts are directed at making these benefits better known and understood, in order to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in the community.

3. To promote cultural exchange
Through Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods, and through other activities, we endeavour to make the richness of Chinese culture more accessible, and thereby promote greater understanding and respect among people.

4. To help others
The foundation of Taoist Tai Chi Society† internal arts and methods is compassion. Our underlying charitable orientation is in keeping with the Taoist values of selflessness and service to others. Our inspiration is the example set by our founder, Master Moy Lin-shin, who dedicated his life to helping others without seeking personal gain. For this reason, all our instructors are volunteers, and all our branches operate on a non-profit basis.

Furthering all of the Aims and Objective of the Taoist Tai Chi Society is essential to me. I was a new beginning student when a demo came up and my instructor, encouraged me to participate.  I barely knew the set and was so afraid of embarrassing the Society.  Since that time, demos at the center or in the community have been a part of my life.  Demos may seem like such a small act – just a few hours of our time, yet it is huge towards furthering our objective to make Taoist Chi available to all.  When a student joins and tells you, “I joined because of your demo and passion”; that says it all.

Through my many instructors’ knowledge of Master Moy’s teachings and their promotion of the Chinese culture, I have grown so much as a person.  I look at the world through completely different eyes. By nature I am not a shy person, however, it was not my nature, to just walk up to someone.  Making someone feel welcome and comfortable is something I just do now without thinking about it (and not just at Tai Chi either). I’m more aware of others around me.  It is the importance of paying attention to details in all we do and I try to model the eight virtues.  Instructing is important to me and a visible way of showing commitment and giving back, yet it is also about the little things we do that know one really knows about, just the observed results.

It is a dual cultivation of body and mind.  Internal healing cannot take place without following the eight virtues.  Yin and Yang, we cannot have one without the other.  To practice one virtue is said to translate into the practice all of the virtues.  Filial piety is one of the most meaningful virtues to me as my eighty-four year old mother lives with my husband and me.  My husband and I spend more time thinking of special ways to make Mom feel special and appreciated.

1600 words later, how does this relate to Human Resources?  Corporate Citizenship. Diversity. Wellness.  Taoist Tai Chi is a “qigong”, or the more popular spelling, “chi kung” exercise and adaptable to most any physical condition; my mother does not do a standing set -  she does a seated set. Think about arranging a demo at your company site or visiting a center near you.  Consider adding this as an additional alternative to your wellness program.  What a return on investment!  Contributions are tax deductible, too.  To learn more, visit www.taoist.org.

I was so moved with emotion immediately after the September 11 terror attacks, I wrote a poem called “Last Call”. Many of you know this poem was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul of America. It was also recorded as a beautiful song by my friend, Sara Green. On the one-year anniversary of the attacks, Sara’s incredible voice brought this poem to life for 10 New York City firefighters (and many others) during a Remembrance Memorial in Clearwater Florida. After that Memorial, Sara received the following e-mail from Lt. Brian Grisanti, Engine Co 160 F.D.N.Y.:

Date: September 24, 2002

“Hello Sara,

My name is Lt. Brian Grisanti. I recently retired from F.D.N.Y. I was present at the Sept. 11th Remembrance Memorial at the Harbor View Center in Clearwater FL this month. You might recall I made a speech during the ceremony. That was probably the hardest thing I was ever called to do, especially after hearing your rendition of ‘Last Call’. I am writing you to commend you on this beautiful song. I tried so hard to hold my emotions while you were singing, but I succumbed to tears.

I can personally relate to the words of this song because many of my brother firefighters were able to call someone before they perished. I heard this from many of their widows. My engine company is in quarters with Rescue Co. 5. We lost 11 men from my house that morning. I am still trying to come to grips with that loss.

Your song does put a lot of things in perspective and I find it quite healing. Myself and the other nine firefighters that joined me for the Memorial were gifted with a copy of the CD. I often listen to it, and it brings tears to my eyes every time. I just felt a need to let you know how your song touches me. Thank You for a job well done. And please, for the sake of the 343 firefighters and all the victims of that tragic day, NEVER FORGET!”

Sincerely,

Lt. Brian Grisanti

Eng. Co 160

F.D.N.Y.

To read the words and hear this beautiful song, please go to the Home page of www.davetimmons.com or click on the following links:

audio file: www.davetimmons.com/LAST_CALL.mp3
pdf words: www.davetimmons.com/LAST_CALL.pdf

Dave Timmons lives in central Florida.  He was our speaker for HRTampa after 9/11 and read his poem to us.  There’s nothing like hearing an author read their written words.   I still hear his words in my head.  This poem can be found in, ”Chicken Soup for the Soul of America book.”

As smoke and heat diminish from the mangled steel
and glass,
The hope of rescue workers faded in and out so fast.
Those heroes of our nation working tirelessly to find
a sound, a breath, some proof of life, to keep that hope
alive.
The victims were so innocent, just doing their life’s work,
In a nation called America, those most free on this earth.
Suddenly, a worker finds a cell phone flashing red.
He plays the “last call” message and this is what it said:
“Hello, it’s me, I’m calling to tell you I’m alright.
I’ve made it up to heaven; I tried to call last night.
The group that I arrived with is strong and brave and tall
And proud to be American’s while answering God’s call.

“I love you all and know I’ve been in all your thoughts and
Prayers
You need to know I felt no pain and made it safely here.
Now let me say a prayer for you of closure and of life,
Move on with courage and with faith that we will reunite.

“I know it’s sad; I’ll age no more, but in this you can trust:
My dreams were put back in the Earth in particles of dust:
That dust is in the air you breathe; I’ve past it on to you.
So please breathe deeply every day and make my dreams
come true”

Dave Timmons is a Leadership Artist who helps people become Leaders through the Art of Six String Leadership. For more information including Dave’s videos, please visit www.davetimmons.com/ or call (813) 948-6709.

By Lori S. Goldsmith, SPHR

In 2007, I won an honorable mention for the following poem in The Love Foundation’s, (http://www.thelovefoundation.com/) annual poetry contest.

“from the first”

babies crave sugar from the first taste

black white gay straight

we label

we teach

violence fear and hate

love respect responsibility

starts first

with me

to

teach

unconditionally

what can be

universally

begins with me

One of my employees once told me that he wished everyone could me like me – that I saw him and not his wheelchair.

To this day one of my proudest moments happened when I had taken on a Senior HR position with one of the world’s largest manufacturing and distribution companies.  I started to do job analyses on all of our positions.  One of our senior mangers, a Latin male, came to me and admitted that he did not read well and wanted to do a good job on the questionnaire so we set an appointment time so I could go through the process with him verbally. Cultural delimiters were eliminated.  I knew I had earned his complete trust and respect.

Caring is the “heart of ethics.”  As Edward James Olmos said the HR Florida State Conference & Expo, “There is only one race – the human race.”

As long as we are talking about labels:  Democrats – Republicans, whatever your affiliation, our health care system is low ranking in comparison to other industrialized countries.  Why is it so hard to wipe away the labels and just focus on the issues?  To succeed, it is clear we all have to work together.  I don’t have to like you or even agree with you, we do to respect one another and work together.

How many of your employees are unable to afford your company’s healthcare premiums? HR Professionals, let your voice be heard.  SHRM Advocacy program makes it really easy for us.

Get involved. We must be part of the solution.  To learn more: http://www.shrm.org/Advocacy/Pages/MoreaboutAdvocacyProgram.aspx

In my opinion freedom means responsibility and propriety. It is my hope that someday we all are judged solely on the way we represent the human race – not by cultural delimiters or party affiliation delimiters.