Nothing soothes me more after a long and maddening course of pianoforte recitals than to sit and have my teeth drilled. (George Bernard Shaw)

11 August 2010

I have this incredibly passionate feeling about what I do that can make me annoying, and I recognize it. People ask me if I could just lighten up a little bit: Sure just give me a hot dog and tell me to shut up.  (Jodie Foster)

20 July 2010

The charm one might say the genius, of memory is that it is choosy, chancy and temperamental; it reflects the edifying cathedral and indelibly photographs the small boy outside, chewing a hunk of melon in the dust. (Elizabeth Bowen)

1 June 2010 – something I deeply believe in:

Older Americans have fought this country’s wars, built its cities, reared its children, and tilled its soil,  They have a right to our deepest respect. (Claude Pepper)

17 May 2010  In all the years I have been solving cryptograms, I was so surprised when one of my favorite quotes turned up:

I hold that every man owes something of his time and substance to the upbuilding of the profession or industry from which he gains his livelihood. (Theodore Roosevelt)

4 May 2010   Eighty’s a landmark and people treat you differently than they do when you’re seventy-nine.  At seventy-nine, if you drop something it just lies there.  At eighty, people pick it up for you. (Helen Van Slyke)

3 May 2010  I always avoid prophesying beforehand, because it is a much better policy to prophesy after the event has taken place. (Winston Churchill)

30 April 2010   A walk through the Paris streets was always like the unrolling of a vast tapestry from which countless stored fragrances were shaken out. (Edith Wharton)

27 April 2010   Mothers are basically a patient lot.  They have to be or they would devour their offspring early on like guppies.  (Mary Daheim)

by Lori S. Goldsmith, SPHR,  GPHR

Between work, family, wife to my husband whom I am married to (you may have seen that startling revelation of mine in a tweet recently), a new dog that makes two, and a variety of volunteer lives: HR Florida Council Certification Director, HR Florida State Conference Program Chair, Taoist Tai Chi beginning instructor; it has been challenging to find the time to read and respond to all of the great articles I would like to contribute my two cents too. So I have been thinking, what could I do in the interim and still stay connected and share something of myself?  Last night, it occurred to me.  Cryptograms.

My father was a cryptogram aficionado and began writing cryptograms for me as far back as I can remember. As soon as I completed my puzzle, I had to recite it out loud.  That practice has carried on in to my adulthood.  Be warned if you happen to sit next to me on a plane.

I did not inherit the gene giving me the ability to complete puzzles in pen.   I still use a pencil to this very day.  My husband usually writes me cryptograms for special occasions. His are usually especially challenging as he does not stay consistent with the code.

My father passed away in 1981.  I still feel him next to me and smiling as I take on a new puzzle.  The first cryptogram that I thought I would share with you is one that my father left for me in my old bedroom night stand.  I have no idea how long it lied dormant in there.  A year or so after Dad passed away, my mother sold their home and moved to a condo much closer to me.  In preparing for the move, my manager/mentor purchased my bedroom set for her daughter.  Although, the set had been emptied out years ago, I just felt compelled to open the night stand drawer.  There was one index card in my father’s incredible computer like printing:

OMZ JZSCZL BU LSBYZC, JUC

OMZ WBZQ BU OXB. – LCRLZB

The cryptogram should not have been a challenge to an expert like me. Obviously, the words were common.   I erased so many times that I nearly wore the index card out and eventually wrote it out on a piece of paper.  I’d pick it up every now and then.  Three years later, I just picked the index card up and completed the puzzle in the fashion automatic writing.  It was then that I realized my struggle was not based in solving the cryptogram.  My struggle was in letting go of the last physical piece of my father.

The cryptogram: She feared no danger, for she knew no sin. – Dryden

Since I can’t read my cryptograms out loud to you, my plan is to publish my completed cryptograms.  Some are funny, some sad, some profound, some poignant.  They are all a part of me that I would like to share with you and hope you find value in reading.

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.

By Larry Goldsmith, CWDP, P.E.T.

A SWOT analysis is a powerful strategic planning tool used by businesses to identify their Strengths and Weaknesses, and to examine the Opportunities and Threats that menace them.  Businesses use this method to look at themselves, both internally and externally, to uncover opportunities (or challenges) which in turn they can profit from.

The same SWOT formula will work in a job search context as well.  A job seeker that takes a step back to analyze their position before jumping into the thick of things will find they can apply a strategic approach to their job search that will distinguish themselves from other job seekers.

We’ve created a SWOT ANALYSIS CHART for you.  See if you can identify the Strengths and Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that may affect your search.  Consider these points to help you get underway. {A SWOT Analysis should be applied to each position you apply.}

Strengths in a SWOT Analysis are qualities of the job seeker that are considered important in the implementation of a job search.  Strengths might be hands-on experience, education, a strong history of achievements, special skills such as bilingual, or soft skills.

Weaknesses in a SWOT Analysis are factors that could prevent the accomplishment of a successful job search.  Examples might be the lack of a degree, limited experiences, poor communication skills or a lack of technical qualifications.  These weaknesses may derail your search without you being aware even before your search begins.

Opportunities in the SWOT analysis process are those external elements that will prove useful and provide you access leading to a successful job search.  Factors here may be a networking contact, specialize and atypical training, transferable skills or a time when you volunteered or interned. These opportunities will give you an attractive added value when view by the employer.

Threats is the fourth component of the SWOT Analysis process.  These are external factors that pose a threat to the success of your job search. Examples may be education and training that occurred a long time ago, work history that is obsolete or negative mark from your past on your résumé.

The fundamental purpose of completing a SWOT Analysis as part of your job search strategic planning is to understand what features of your job search will positively help you and what which ones will harm you.  [The theory behind this is the same as my interview philosophy.  There is only one difficult interview question.  It is the one question that you did not anticipate (ahead of time) and iron out (rehearse) the correct answer prior to sitting down in the interview chair.]

A job seeker does not always need a posted position to conduct an effective job search.  You may find by having a better grasp of what talents you bring to the table (as well as your barriers), you will be able seek out your own competitive advantages.  Pursue your own opportunities based your strengths and opportunities while minimizing your weaknesses and threats.

Think of yourself as an organization and plan your job search like one.  SWOT ANALYSIS VIDEO

1. Do you discuss company products and services with confidence and insight?
2. Do you give examples that support you have the knowledge, skills & abilities the company seeks?
3. Do you tell anecdotes that demonstrate you can hit the ground running?
4. Do you reinforce with examples that you have a shorter learning curve?
5. Do you expand your potential by establishing added value on topics not discussed in the interview?
6. Do you have a personality that fits the existing business culture?
7. Do you express passion and enthusiasm for the company and the opportunity?
8. Do you ask for the position?

The most difficult interview question is the one that you do not practice before you sit down in the interview chair. The key to successful interviewing is to know what you are going to say before you go to the interview.  Identify your most challenging questions.  Work out a good response.  Practice.  Test your response with someone.  Your success in interviewing will go up if you identify interview barriers and issues prior to the interview.

Below is my philosophy on how I spend the majority of my (mind) time each day.  This is how I get by each day.  What about you?  Have you ever giving thought to thinking about how you ‘think’ about preparing for the next day?  How much time do you spend getting ready for tomorrow?  Do you have a formal philosophy to guide you towards your achievements and accomplishments?

My approach to taking on life each day:

Once today is here, I minimize the amount of thinking time spent on the day’s tasks. [I don't take shortcuts.  I don't cut back on my efforts.  I put in whatever time necessary to complete my projects] However my philosophy is that today is already here.  Most of it will take of itself, whether I do something or not.  My attitude is to focus on tomorrow.  My mind is 80% (or more) focused on tomorrow’s tasks even though I am working on today’s business - I am always thinking and planning for tomorrow.  This attitude has always kept me on target.  Plus I have fewer surprises as I have already anticipated what might jump up and ’slap’ me on the side of the head and become a barrier or a challenge.)

[Time doesn't change.  24hours is always 24 hours. The key to successful management of your schedule is to manage effectively the time that you have.]

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.

mommy’s little angel

Job seekers should consider enrolling in Theater 101.  Exploring the mechanics of how to create a scene for a stage play offers unexpected rewards in upgrading your job search skills. What is a stage play but a series of activities design to engage an audience.  The audience is not told the outcome of a scene.  They are subject to storytelling through the use of staged activities. A successful playwright leaves the audience to think about the outcome and its implications and consequences.  An effective playwright uses actors to illustrate a storyline in the anticipation that the audience will leave the theater with an affirmative experience. 

Just like the audience leaving a theater, it is hoped too by the job seeker that the employer will have a positive experience from the job search encounter as well.  What if you approached your job search from the perspective of a playwright?   Every activity (telephone call, a networking event or an interview) is approached as a scene in a stage play.  Think of each of these scenes with their own beginning and ending. 

Job search is not “improv”.    Start by preparing a script on making a cold call to a potential employer.  Most importantly, your central point, is remaining true to yourself, your capabilities and future potential.  Your purpose is to prepare and present your case.   Think what are you trying to accomplish?    

1. Write a general scenario. [Illustrate your purpose through a picture created with words.]
2. Prepare a script [Define the call in your own words.  Compare and contrast available alternatives.]
3. Visualize the essential elements of your scene set [desk, mirror, résumé, script]
4. Create a storyboard like in a cartoon script [sketch your movements]
5. Work your script [Define call in your own words / Compare and contrast available alternatives.]
6. Walk through your script for wording [Verbalize the scene to develop your rhythm, intonation  and choice of words.]
7. Block your scene [Blocking is your play by play.] 
8. Rehearse your scene until you feel comfortable.

Perhaps the most exciting component of writing your scene will be that the actual telephone call or networking experience is not a surprise. You will find by working on staging your search interactions with employers that you are more in control over your job search.  You’ve already had the rehearsal dinner.  You worked out your kinks.  You have a script.  You know want is coming.  You analyzed assumptions and have alternative solutions to their responses.  You are prepared.

In the context of job search, networking is the process of communication that consists of using contacts and relationships (oftentimes a third party) to gain access to decision makers in the hiring process.

Historically, in the job search preparation stage, job seekers have been instructed to create and rehearse a brief networking (elevator) speech.  The original label of elevator speech comes from the situation when a salesperson is in an elevator, and low and behold who walks in but the purchasing agent they have been trying to make contact with for the past couple of weeks.  The salesperson has no more than 30 seconds to speak up before the door reopens and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity steps off the elevator.

While, a prepared elevator speech is essential to clear and effective networking; you are not always in an elevator, so think backwards.  It is not about you.  Give attention to the broader issue of networking.  The first obstacle you must overcome is to actually gain the other party’s attention.  Sales professionals will tell you that you cannot make a sale until you know the barriers you face.   The elevator speech that you have worked so diligently on is actually your number two speech.

An elevator speech is show and tell.  Your number one goal is not to show and tell.  If you don’t know what to show and tell, your elevator speech will not be effective.  This initial contact is the time for asking questions and active listening.  Your goal is to get the employer to commit to something or give you an angle about themselves or their organization.  Start with targeted questions.  In the course of this conversation your questions should be directed to identifying the type of employee the company is interested in, the skills and personality or behavior traits they seek and even the barriers or challenges the company faces that may be their Achilles heel.  Only when you have this information can you offer an effective elevator speech.   You have turned the table and given them something to talk about that is of interest to them and you have earned their attention.

Start thinking backwards today.  Create two networking (elevator) speeches.  The first is to open the door.  The second is to sell your talents.

NETWORKING ELEVATOR SPEECH WORKSHEET

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?