Traffic Light
Participants use colour-coded cards (red = no/stop, yellow = maybe/slow down, green = yes/go) to respond to ideas, proposals, or statements simultaneously. The visual display of cards makes the group's collective position immediately visible, unsticks stalled groups, and ensures silent members are heard.
How to run it
- 1
Distribute a set of three cards (red, yellow, green) to each participant.
- 2
Explain the meanings: green = yes/go ahead, yellow = I'm unsure/slow down, red = no/stop.
- 3
Read or display each idea, statement, or proposed action one at a time.
- 4
After each item, ask everyone to hold up one card simultaneously (important: all at once, not sequentially).
- 5
Observe the pattern. Where there's strong green consensus, move forward. Where there's red or yellow, open for brief discussion.
- 6
Summarise the group's position after all items have been rated.
Tips
Simultaneous reveal is critical — avoid letting one person's card influence others.
Yellow cards are your discussion triggers — they signal uncertainty worth exploring.
If the group is stalled, traffic light gives everyone a structured way to express a position without verbal confrontation.
Variations
Sticky dot version: write items on a poster, give each participant coloured sticky dots to place next to each statement — creates a visible heat map.Ongoing meeting version: distribute cards at the start. Participants can hold up a card at any time to signal their engagement with the current discussion.
Where it fits
Related methods
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from University of Hawaii.