Agility isn’t just a framework or a set of principles—it’s a mindset that helps us navigate uncertainty with confidence.

As I walked on an icy pavement recently, it struck me how much the experience mirrors the essence of agility: sensing and responding.

It’s a bit out there, so keep with me.

The Dance Between Sensing and Responding

Walking on ice is a masterclass in awareness and adaptation. Each step requires you to assess your environment—scanning for slippery patches, gauging the firmness of your footing, and feeling the subtle feedback from the ground beneath you. It’s an ongoing process of sensing.

But sensing alone isn’t enough. You have to respond, adjust your movements to maintain balance, take shorter steps, lean forward slightly, find support when necessary, or even take a step back and around to find a less tricky route.

In the same way, agility demands that teams and organizations continuously sense what’s happening around them.

Whether it’s market changes, customer feedback, or internal challenges, staying attuned to the environment is essential. But it is how you respond—quickly, thoughtfully, and effectively—that determines success.

The Feedback Loop in Action

On icy pavements, every step provides instant feedback.

A misstep, slip or slide teaches you where not to tread.

A sturdy patch of gravel shows you where you can confidently place your footwear and weight.

The process is iterative: sense, respond, adjust, repeat.

In agile practices, this is the essence of short feedback loops. You experiment, learn, and adapt—one iteration at a time—building confidence as you go.

Balancing Stability and Flexibility

Walking on the icy pavements requires striking a delicate balance.

If you’re too rigid, you’ll lose your footing. If you’re too loose, you’ll topple.

Is the same true for agility? Organizations need enough structure to maintain stability with enough flexibility to adapt when conditions change. It’s about finding that sweet spot between planning and pivoting.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Icy pavements remind us that uncertainty is unavoidable. Even with the best intentions and careful planning, slips can happen. The key is to be ready—whether that means wearing sturdy shoes (like an organizational safety net) or knowing how to regain your footing when you falter.

During the same cold snap, I saw a similar example of sensing and responding play out in another context. My wife’s Volvo XC40 electric vehicle was frozen up, in below -10°C centigrade temperatures (then there was the windchill).

Not surprisingly, when she checked the range, the distance she could cover on the full charge had dramatically reduced. She wasn’t shocked—electric vehicles, like people, are impacted by environmental conditions. But it was a perfect reminder of how important it is to adapt expectations based on changing circumstances.

Building Confidence in Uncertainty

Not everyone feels confident walking on ice, and that’s okay.

Confidence comes with practice and learning to trust your ability to adapt.

The same applies to teams new to agile ways of working.

At first, the uncertainty can feel daunting. But over time, as they learn to sense and respond effectively, their confidence grows. They see the benefits of small, iterative steps and realize that agility isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re walking on ice or leading an organization, agility is about navigating uncertainty with intention and awareness. It’s about sensing what’s happening, responding thoughtfully, and continually adjusting to keep moving forward.

So, the next time you find yourself on an icy path—or dealing with unexpected challenges like a frozen vehicle—take a moment to reflect.

• How are you sensing and responding in your work and life?
• Are you adapting to the environment around you, or are you trying to force your way through?

The lessons are all around us if we take the time to look—and step—carefully.

What’s been your “icy pavement” moment? I’d love to hear how you’ve embraced sensing and responding in your own journey! Let’s keep the conversation going. 🌟

(And for those curious, yes, the Volvo eventually thawed—but not without a little patience and adjustment! In the meantime, I had an opportunity to take some photos of the frost’s stunning patterns)