Rules of thumb are there to prevent error. If you know the reasons behind the rules of thumb, you can ignore the rules and work from the reasons for the rules.

Rules of thumb are there to prevent error. If you know the reasons behind the rules of thumb, you can ignore the rules and work from the reasons for the rules. This is expertise. When someone questions your 'breaking of the rule,' you can then cite the reasons for the rule, and show how you did not break the rule in terms of it's deeper meaning. However, it is polite (and prudent) to CYA with discussion of your justifications with your colleagues. Either way, this makes you look good. If discussion renders you correct, you appear ever so smart and expert. If discussion renders you incorrect, you appear thoughtful, prudent and working in good faith in everyone's best interest. This is the essence of healthy collaboration. All too many people are unable to grasp that working on teams is never about being 'right,' it is about having the discipline to actively seek out collaboration. Being 'right' helps in that people will actively seek your opinion. Being 'wrong' doesn't actually hurt you, because you went ahead and behaved properly with regard to collaboration. Either someone else was right, and you used their idea, or everyone else was just as wrong, and in that case... ya know, fuck it. :) I'd add to this that if people are unable or unwilling to collaborate maturely (including admitting their own failings), it is time to quit. Waiting around to get fired is stupid, petty and passive-aggressive. If you are that sure of your correctness, you should be able to make a jusitfication.