A wrong exit becomes less costly when embarrassment stops steering the next decision.

A mistake and the reaction to it carry separate price tags, and the second is usually larger. Taking a wrong turning costs a few minutes, and refusing to admit it, or pressing on to avoid looking foolish, is what turns it into an hour. Embarrassment argues persuasively for continuing, because stopping makes the error visible; the cheapest moment to correct anything is right at the start.

When you notice a wrong move, say so without a long apology and choose the next step on its merits. Treat quick correction as the competent thing rather than the humbling one.