_“Steelman” = make the strongest version of the argument._ When proposing something, it’s often worth steelmanning the second best option, as well as your preferred option. Often the process of doing this will: **(1) Change your own view…** (a) Often, you get a better read on the difference in value between the two options. This helps you get a better read on the importance of getting agreement on your preferred option. (b) Sometimes, you'll realise that your “second best” option is actually the best option. **(2) Make it easier to persuade others...** (a) Minimally, your audience will see that you’ve considered at least two alternatives fairly carefully. So, they will trust your overall take more. (b) If your audience's first take favours what you think is the second best option, your discussion will anticipate their objections. It’s nearly always worth doing a quick “steelman the second-best” move in your head. For medium or high-stakes stuff, it’s very often worth doing this in writing and sharing with the relevant team members. “Steelman the second-best” is especially likely to be useful if you notice strong feelings of attachment or aversion to one particular option over another.