Borrowed from a Facebook Post entitled: “Rules to Teach your Sons.” If written today, would be titled Rules to Teach your Sons and Daughters. Thought some of the “rules” had application and would be helpful to anyone going through the mediation process, and to a degree, navigating the complexities of life in general.  Re-printing (with some of my comments) those rules below:

1.   In a negotiation, never take the first offer (unless it’s really, really good).

2.   When entrusted with a secret, keep it (no comment).

3.   Play with passion or don’t play at all.   

4.   Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.

5.   Never turn down a breath mint (more important for some than others).

6.    Stand on principle (ok, this one can be expensive in more ways than one).

7.    After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it (unless the other side really made

      you mad 😊).

8.    Manners maketh the man (ok, should be “person”).

9.    Give credit. Take the blame.

10.  Stand up to Bullies. Protect those bullied.

11.  Be confident and humble at the same time.

12.  Be the bridge builder.

13.  Have FAITH, and be faithful, loyal and trustworthy.

14.  Be on time.

15.  Say “I love you” often.

 

Rod B. Neuman is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator Certified Mediator (also admitted in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida) and offers these observations based upon his experiences mediating cases throughout the State of Florida.