Quotes by Linda Swindling, JD, CSP

Be and help others become.

The journey to success requires you to step out your door.

Never lose your ability to walk away.

If you're not hearing no, you're not asking for enough.

No matter the result, end well. You never know who you'll see again.

Dependence on tactics is a sign of desperation and an indicator of amateur negotiators.

Become a potted plant. Watch in silence and attempt to grow.

The powerless only have the power to say no.

If someone places road blocks or creates resistance, determine if you missed a side issue.

Before beginning any deal, ask yourself Is it Worth it? What do you want? Why? Is it really worth the time and effort to get it?

When faced with a challenge or conflict, determine if it is a pebble, a rock or a boulder. Spend the time to get rid of the pebbles, they will rub a blister if you ignore them too long. Deal with the rocks. Walk around the boulders where possible. Often you blow up a boulder and wind up with many more rocks.

You can also choose to do nothing. Sometimes that is the best choice. Allow yourself the opportunity to make it.

Say "no" and say it often.

On being a recovering attorney:
It takes about 13 1/2 steps for an attorney to complete a recovery program and leave the law. The last one and a half step is the hardest. You must decide to stop arguing.