In a recent LinkedIn post, Suzanne Lucas shares a personal anecdote to illustrate a crucial point about conflict resolution and interpersonal dynamics. Lucas recounts an experience at an airline check-in counter where she found herself in an argument, convinced she was in the right. However, the situation took a turn when her son intervened, helping her to see the bigger picture and the futility of the dispute.
The Cost of Being Right
Lucas highlights that even when one is factually correct, the emotional and practical cost of pursuing an argument can outweigh the satisfaction of winning. She describes the incident, which involved a disagreement over a carry-on bag, as a moment of realization. Her son’s intervention was pivotal in helping her step back from the escalating tension.
“I argued with an employee behind the check-in counter at Alaska Airlines. I was 100 percent right. She was 100 percent wrong. And the stupid person in this argument was me.”
This candid admission underscores Lucas’s central theme: the strategic importance of choosing one’s battles. As she points out, the goal isn’t always to prove a point, but sometimes to de-escalate and move forward constructively. The incident served as a stark reminder of a principle she had taught her own son.
“Yes, And” in Everyday Interactions
The principle of “yes, and,” often associated with improvisational comedy, is presented by Lucas as a valuable tool for navigating everyday disagreements. Instead of shutting down dialogue or insisting on one’s own perspective, this approach encourages acknowledging the other party’s reality and building upon it. This fosters a more collaborative and less adversarial approach to communication.
“Sometimes, it doesn’t matter if we’re right or wrong. Sometimes, we say thanks and walk away. Sometimes we just need to accept the reality that is before us, and ‘yes, and’ our way forward.”
Lucas reflects on the personal embarrassment of needing her son to remind her of these foundational communication skills, humorously noting the parallel with her son’s potential embarrassment regarding her improv comedy background. This self-deprecating reflection adds a layer of relatability to her message, making it more impactful.
Applying Lessons Learned
The core takeaway from Lucas’s post is the strategic advantage of emotional intelligence and situational awareness in interpersonal conflicts. While being right can feel validating, Lucas suggests that recognizing when to disengage, offer a simple acknowledgment, or adopt a more conciliatory stance can lead to better outcomes and preserve relationships.
“Kind of embarrassing to need my son to remind me of principles I’ve taught him his whole life.”
Ultimately, Suzanne Lucas’s shared experience serves as a powerful reminder for professionals and individuals alike that true effectiveness in communication often lies not in winning every argument, but in understanding when and how to let go, fostering smoother interactions and more productive outcomes.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Suzanne Lucas on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 23, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →