totally agree with seth's accessments - i've actually done a lot of #1
("If you want average (mediocre) work, ask for it. Be really clear up front that you want something beyond reproach, that's in the middle of the road, that will cause no controversy and will echo your competition. It'll save everyone a lot of time.")

because of #4
("It's not going to be easy to sell to your boss. That's your job, by the way, not mine. If you want me to do something great, you've got to be prepared to protect it and defend it. Come back too many times for one little compromise, and you'll make it clear that #1 was what you wanted all along.")

while i was at microsoft, mainly because all of my ideas had been watered down by too many people freaking out.

redotted from : mohit