Daniel 1

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.

First, Daniel decided he would not be defiled.  I've always wondered how the story would go if God hadn't had the chief official give him favor.  Would Daniel have submitted and eaten the unclean food, deciding that it was proof God had totally abandoned them?  Or would he have simply not eaten and accepted the consequences, or even starved himself?

Also, it's important to see that he sought permission.  He didn't simply decide he was right and the boss was wrong and do things his way regardless.  He went with is concerns, and tried to work things out.