As far as talking about what being a dick actually is here is all the article says:
Well, no, it also says:
Focus on behaviour, not on individuals. Say what you want and why you want it. Say why you think the other person’s behaviour is counter-productive. Assume good faith to the maximum extent possible. If you don’t understand why someone is doing something, ask. Don’t rush to complain until you are sure that good faith negotiations can’t work. Understand before insisting on being understood.
Remember that your perception can be wrong. If the other person is writing in an unfamiliar language, or has a different cultural background, you may misunderstand their intentions.
Above all, be genuine. Don’t ask questions when you know the answer. Don’t say you want one thing if you want another. Don’t try to persuade people of things that aren’t true. Do not respond to dickery in kind.
We can translate this from the negative to the positive:
To be a dick, focus on individuals, not behavior. Hide your real intentions. Express general disapproval of others without reference to the goals of the project. Assume that others are there to mess things up or get in your way. If you don’t understand why someone is doing something, guess. Don’t negotiate — complain! Insist that others understand you before you deign to attempt to understand them.
You are right. If the other person is being weird, they are wrong, they are misunderstanding you, and they must stop doing that before you can cooperate with them.
Above all, be clever. Snark off with rhetorical questions to prove your wit. Get your point across by trolling and tricking others, getting them to retreat in awe of your cleverness. Don’t let anyone out-dick you!
Well, no, it also says:
We can translate this from the negative to the positive: