Pay Early
Do not defer engagement with opposition to an action that you are considering.
Opponents are always the best teachers, because they have an incentive to look
hard for what is wrong with your proposal. Seek out collegial working relationships
with opponents, and exchange drafts that clarify differences and alternatives as
early as possible (the only time you can do something about them). While you do
not have a choice about whether you “pay” to overcome opposition, you can choose
whether to pay early or late. Paying early tends to present smaller bills spread out
over a more reasonable payment period, than does paying late (after the
recommendation is fully set).