From Marc McCormack, Never Wrestle With A Pig:
In our constant search for consensus and harmony 
in the workplace, we sometimes are less than fair to the prickly, edgy, combative people in our midst. We resist them or avoid them altogether (and warn others to do likewise) because it's easier to deal with more-agreeable types. That's perfectly understandable. But in doing so, we do ourselves and our organizations a disservice. Every organization can use a few strong-minded warriors who rub people slightly the wrong way – not only to fight the ugly battles that the more diplomatic among us avoid but also to challenge their superiors and peers. They keep everyone on their toes.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not advocating that you make a place in your company for mean, surly people with major attitude problems. You'll always regret it, no matter how talented they are. But I am advocating more tolerance and appreciation for people with robust personalities and, at the same time, a healthy skepticism about people who are always nice.
