---
title: "Engage Advisors During, Not After, Deliberation"
source: "https://virtualddd.com/heuristics/engage-advisors-during-not-after-deliberation/"
authors: ["Peter Hunter", "Elena Stojmilova", "Kenny Schwegler", "Andrea Magnorsky"]
tags: ["facilitating software architecture and design", "decentralised decision-making", "conflict management", "sociotechnical systems", "psychological safety"]
type: "guiding heuristics"
question: "How can we create a collaborative advising culture instead of criticism?"
submitter: "Elena Stojmilova"
---

# Engage Advisors During, Not After, Deliberation

Do not wait until a decision is fully formed to present it for advice, as this invites criticism rather than collaboration. Engage architects and stakeholders throughout the decision-making process to incorporate their knowledge and context early. This makes the process more efficient and collaborative.

## Examples

Instead of presenting a finished decision, a team now shares high-level diagrams and options with architects early in the process. This allows for advice to be integrated before the team is committed to a path.