Nina Sachse

Rhodes Rule No. 2: Remember, Nothing is More Important than your Reputation.

And if you grew up in a neighborhood like ours, you know that everyone knows… E V E R Y T H I N G. The days of prom are long over, but this simple truth abides. Travel through life as though everything you do matters, reflects on you, and affects those around you. Because it’s true.

Rhodes Rule No. 3: Family Comes First

By blood or by choice, family makes you who you are. No one will be more loyal, understanding, or loving when it counts. And when it comes to those outside your clan, treat them like family, too. Chances are good you’ll reap what you’ve sown.

Rhodes Rule No. 4: Talk Less. Listen More.

Give others the space to speak. Nothing is more conducive to learning what someone else needs – family, friend, or colleague. But don’t stop there. Be absolutely present. Drop the distractions and give your undivided attention to whatever you do.

Rhodes Rule No. 5: Love What You Do. Do What You Love.

It’s the simplest rule of all – but not always the easiest to apply. It’s said that if you follow your passion, everything falls into place. We can’t guarantee your dreams will come true, but we can tell you that loving what you do makes the difference between living life and loving life. We know. Because we love what we do.

Rhodes Rule No. 6: Just be NICE.

Sounds simple enough, but in practice we could all use a reminder. “That kid you dismiss may be your boss one day.” This was a favorite in our house, and one that will always ring true.

Everyone deserves kindness, and you never know who someone is, was, or will be. But if you treat them with the Golden Rule, you’ll be golden, too.

Rhodes Rule No. 7: Do Your Homework.

It’s the lesson that delivers time after time: Be prepared. Research every angle. Walk in with answers to questions you’ve yet to hear. And take detailed notes. Writing down makes it stick. And sticking with it makes the grade.

Rhodes Rule No. 9: Play Hard. But Play Fair.

And always know the rules going in. Life can be tricky and not everyone plays on the up and up. But staying on the right side comes with its own rewards. Stick to absolute honesty, sound knowledge and doing your best. Those who do usually win in the end.

Rhodes Rule No. 10: Ask How You Can Help.

It’s the first and last thing Tom reminds us to ask each day. And it might be the most important of all. Because we believe that without community, without helping one another, life has a little less meaning. And we each have something to offer.

Rhodes Rule No. 8: Know Your Neighbors

And your neighborhood. We’ve learned that people make the place, and communities thrive when people connect. Support, protect, and partner with those around you. Building relationships builds a better place to nurture the next generation.

Rhodes Rule No. 1: Always Tell the Truth

“And if you don’t know the answer, say that, too.”

This should be your guiding standard every time. Honesty first prevents difficulties later – in business, in relationships, in life. And when anchored as your baseline value, honesty yields the best result of all: peace of mind.