You understand reasons why you should want to involve an opponent:
___To remove or neutralize a potentially harmful critic
___To gain insight into the workings of your opponent
___To gain access to a group that has previously been closed to you
___To acquire new resources to solve a common problem
___To find common values and beliefs you didn't know were there
___To get to know your opponents as people
___To build a base of trust that might be helpful in to you in the future
___To help you make progress
___Because involving opponents can help you (and them) in unexpected ways
You understand when you should involve opponents:
___When the lines of communication are still relatively open, and you believe your opponent is willing to talk with you
___When you see common values and opportunities
___When the cost of getting involved with each other is not too great
You understand when you shouldn't involve your opponents:
___When there is a history of distrust or deception between you and your opponent
___When your respective positions are strongly held, deeply entrenched, and completely opposed to each other
___When your opponents are unwilling to talk with you
___When the time and energy costs in collaborating with your opponent would be too great
You understand how to involve opponents:
___You have decided that you want to involve them
___You have narrowed your targets
___You have clarified your goals
___You have made the commitment
___You have identified the stakeholders
___You have made contact with your opponent
___You have established ground rules
___You have set an agenda
___You have organized subgroups
___You have searched for information
___You have found a mediator
___You have involved other stakeholders
___You have held an exploratory meeting
___You have met again
___You understand the twelve "talking points"
___You have closed the deal
___You have sold the deal to your supporters, other stakeholders, and the general public
___You have structured the agreement
___You have monitored the agreement