Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it seemed...

[mnhtnbb]

6. Tobin, I worked for many years in hospital management and

I know, from experience, exactly what you mean because we had docs--in a well known teaching hospital--who were as friendly and respectful as anyone could be when working with others, and then there were those who took every chance
they could get to put you in your place. There were some docs that were really, really good
at intimidation and throwing off an aura of superiority. But you know what? They put their
pants on the same way anyone else does, and it helped more than a few members of my team
to visualize some of these guys in their shorts. It never failed to get the person who was having
to deal with the intimidating doc to smile, relax, and be confident.

So, I think you have a winning strategy.