Have you ever noticed how Google Maps reroutes within seconds when we take a wrong turn? It doesn’t panic. It doesn’t blame. It doesn’t say, “You messed up.” Instead, it simply recalculates and gives us a new path to reach our destination.
Now compare that with how we often handle mistakes in our lives or organizations.
We stick with wrong decisions for far too long. We justify them. We drag ourselves through unproductive routes instead of quickly adjusting course.
But what if we lived — and worked — more like Google Maps?
The Agility Mindset: Quick Reroutes
Agility is not about always being right. It’s about how fast we can adapt when we realize we’re wrong.
- A sprint review reveals that the customer doesn’t like the feature. ✅ Reroute.
- A marketing campaign isn’t resonating? ✅ Reroute.
- A team process slows down delivery? ✅ Reroute.
The goal is the same — delivering value. The route can change.
Key Lessons from Google Maps for Agility
- Destination First, Routes Later
Google Maps always asks: Where do you want to go?
In agile, clarity of vision and goals matter more than the specific path. Without a shared destination, no rerouting makes sense. - Mistakes Are Just Detours
A wrong turn isn’t a dead end — it’s just another road. Agility teaches us to treat mistakes as learning opportunities, not failures. - Real-Time Feedback Matters
Maps reroute because they constantly listen to signals: GPS, traffic, and roadblocks. In organizations, our signals are feedback from customers, stakeholders, and team performance. If we ignore them, we get stuck. - No Ego, Just Data
Google Maps doesn’t argue. It doesn’t say, “But my first suggestion was right!” It simply recalculates. Agility requires the same humility — letting go of ego, focusing on outcomes. - Short Iterations, Faster Corrections
The longer we drive in the wrong direction, the further we get from the goal. That’s why agile prefers short sprints — so corrections come quickly.
Why We Should “Follow Google Maps” in Agility
Because life and business are never about perfect planning. They are about resilient adaptation.
Google Maps reminds us:
- Don’t dwell on wrong turns.
- Don’t keep going in the wrong direction out of stubbornness.
- Keep your eye on the destination, but stay flexible with the route.
Agility is not about avoiding mistakes — it’s about recovering from them faster.
So next time you face a wrong decision, ask yourself:
👉 What would Google Maps do?