I could have stopped at the title, and call it a quote.

It's a lesson I've been learning time and time again.

Especially when living in Indonesia,
especially on a remote island,
especially when dealing with such a culture gap.

There is no point in being right, if it doesn't get you closer to your goal.

You win a debate?
You make your point?
You proved you're right?

Then, what?

We tend to measure the wrong metrics.

Maybe you win, but you built resentment.
Maybe you made your point, but your staff left.
Maybe you proved you're right, but nothing changed.

I’ve been right before, and paid for it in lost time, broken trust, and lost years.

What to do, then? Saying we're wrong when we're not?

Not quite.

"What should I do in this situation, that will bring me closer to my target?"

Often, proving you're right doesn't help that goal.

Sometimes, you need to reframe.
Sometimes, you need to make concessions.
Sometimes, you just need to let go.

When dealing with human beings,

Being right doesn't get things done.