The best collaborations are much more likely to come from your strongest opponent than from someone who is congenial but weak or apathetic. In Perspective Chances are, you've been a dragon yourself at one time or another, and chances are this particular dragon isn't actually out to get you, no matter how things may seem at the moment. He's out to get what he wants, and whoever gets in the way is likely to get roasted. It's nothing personal. Although you need not take things personally, you should take things seriously.
Dragons are to be handled with care.
Reduce conversations to writing when appropriate. This way, you have a written record that you can refer to later in explaining your position or your actions, or defending yourself legally if necessary. You may want to inform the people you report to of the conflict so that they hear it from you. Always be complimentary of the person you're in conflict with, although you do need to explain the point of contention. We gave that up in kindergarten.