Larry Blumsack

Communication – at times – can be as simple as a traffic light.

Think of the number of times you have asked a colleague, an employee, a coworker, a family member — “How’s everything coming along?” “What’s the status of things?” “Are we still on target?”

First, let’s start with the fact those are very vague questions even if it pertains to a specific project, task, or decision that involves you and the people or person you’ve queried.

Typical answers;

• “Everything’s fine.”
• “Moving along nicely.”
• “I’m comfortable with the progress.”
• “Still trying to get a handle on it.”
• “Run into a few obstacles.”
• “Could use a little bit more time.”
• “No problem.”

Think about it. It’s unlikely that you were any better informed than before you asked the question. Why?

Be more specific.

When you ask specific questions looking for specific information the answers can dramatically improve. That is, of course, if the listener was paying attention and heard the question. Even then it wouldn’t be unusual for you to receive answers similar to those on the preceding list.

I was introduced to the traffic light formula by a biopharma project manager who uses the formula to keep up-to-date on several different projects under his management. The formula I’m about to share with you is commonly used by project managers.

The formula can work as well at all levels and means of communication.

Using the traffic light communication tool.

The three different colored lights on the traffic light become the metaphors for very specific answers on the condition of a project. The metaphors are common knowledge and agreed to by everyone on a project – including the executives.

• The green light means everything is on schedule on target and on budget.
• The yellow light means there are issues being addressed to get back on target.
• The red light means the project is not going well at all and is in danger of failing.

Those traffic light answers effectively lead to specific next questions to be asked and answered. Stay better informed with less stress with your own traffic light communication solution.