A flight attendant briefed our exit row today. They asked for a verbal ‘yes’ that everyone seated in the exit row was willing and able to help in the event of an emergency. There were multiple ‘yes’ responses until one passenger explained that they were an aircraft mechanic well-versed in the exit row door protocols. The flight attendant kindly said, “I just need a yes or no.”

There is a time to share our story and amplify our expertise. Then, there are circumstances when a simple yes or no is all that is warranted. How might we understand when people are seeking a story and when they are complying with policies?