Knowing the rules is EVERYTHING! Everyday, I expect CS to put me into a situation that is just out of the parameters of the FSM. They will let you agree with them, and then you're having to back out of what you've agreed to.
I've had rush situations when I didn't know any better.
I've had discussions with CS on why I was being asked to report to a DH that left in 45 minutes when we just made positive contact?
Ive had CS put a trip into CrewTrac that had a departure time that was within 2 hours of my starting RAP time. I saw the 2 hours time was good, ack it and then realized that was departure time not report. Called them and they said I acknowledged it so, too bad so sad. I replied thats pretty sneaky and against the rules. I was put on hold and the trip was removed. Of course the called me 2 hours later for a legal trip. Why wouldn't they?
But, I've never yelled at CS. Never been unprofessional. Never been belligerent. Never. No matter how much steam was coming out of my ears while I waited on hold. Its an action of futility and one that hurts you as a professional and the group as a whole.
-Bubs