Chapter 6:

"Fear can be a powerful motivator, driving people to avoid the sting of punishment and public humiliation"(161). Sutton goes on to discuss what research says. What do you think? What has your experience been? Is there ever a time when being an asshole necessary? Does this type of role (being a jerk) ever needed in the field of conflict resolution?

Chapter 6 is a section that resonates with me and perhaps other as well.  Sutton mentions looking for small-wins.  He adds (147):

"Riskier small-wins entail confronting an asshole head-on, exacting revenge, putting the asshole in his/her place, and "outing" and humiliating the jerk.  Be warned, however, that such approaches are dangerous... and doing battle with a person who has greater power can be hazardous to your mental health and job security."

What bothered me somewhat was immediately after that, he offers an alternative real-life story- putting Ex-Lax in the food a boss continuously takes. 

Really?

That's the best he can offer us.  After reading that, and reflecting on situations I helped others in conflict coaching, mediation and my own situations, I thought, "Come'on Sutton, give me something better than that!"

Sutton then offers another "revenge tactic" (148) and which got me to thinking- of all the times I felt like I was mistreated my someone I considered a Class A a$$hole, revenge is not something I ever envisioned.  As conflict resolution professionals, are we suppose to be thinking in terms of revenge??

I don't think we, or anyone should have to deal with the actions of a$$holes, while everyone has to make choices for themselves, however with that said, thinking in terms of revenge only continues the "vicious cycle" Sutton mentions a few pages earlier?