Re: What the Fark 2: That Was... Interesting.
I use the calm but firm approach to many debates/arguments. It doesn't make you look like a raving maniac, and chances are it frustrates the other person so much, THEY going flying off the handle and look like an idiot.
I used to think that being an even bigger a55hole in response was the only way to deal with them. Turns out that while effective on all but the most alpha of a55holes, and still useful in some limited circumstances, it's not a good long-term strategy. Particularly once word gets around the entire office about how you're intimidating and hard to work with.
As I approach 30, I've been trying to take the "calm but firm" approach to workplace bullying. The goal is to make the a55hole look ridiculous and immature, while you remain unfazed or even slightly amused by his/her a55holery.
I use the calm but firm approach to many debates/arguments. It doesn't make you look like a raving maniac, and chances are it frustrates the other person so much, THEY going flying off the handle and look like an idiot.