[bomb]Calibrate decisions without guesswork.|Use Green/Yellow/Red to surface signal, reduce noise, and choose the smallest viable next move.[/bomb]
Overview
TLC = Traffic‑Light Calibration.
A 30–90s read of readiness + risk + cost to choose the next smallest viable move.
This is a calibration tool; it does not override BRIG or governance.
What it is
- Shared language for decision‑state: Green / Yellow / Red.
- Quick, non‑coercive calibration.
- Friction‑low, dignity‑protective.
What it is not
- Not a behaviour scale.
- Not a compliance meter.
- Not a probe into internal states.
When to use
When your head, heart, and context are 80-90% aligned and you need [bomb]CALIBRATION, not confirmation.|Pausing to get a sense of “do I really want this?” + “is this really a good idea?”[/bomb]
Use TLC when a decision must be made now and you need a non‑aggressive way to pick the next smallest step.
Consider the following contexts: transitions, wobble points, rumbles, re‑entry, competing priorities.
Run the 5 Gates (Yes/No)
Ask yourself these 5 questions before setting an important plan into motion.
- Reversibility — can I repair if this underperforms or produces undesirable results?
- Time Sensitivity — does waiting 1-2 weeks increase risks?
- Unity — would others co-own the decision and not feel blindsided?
- Evidence — do I have 3-5 neutral, affirming observations + an interim plan?
- Proportionality — is the proposed action scaled to the problem?
Score –> Signal
- 4 – 5 = GREEN — proceed decisively
- 3 = YELLOW — proceed with ONE [bomb]safeguard|review date, scope fence, co-ownership[/bomb]
- 0-2 = RED — pause and gather what’s missing
Why it works
Clarity without dependency.
Precision without paralysis.
Courage without recklessness.
Governance without overreach.
One-liner: TLC — the traffic light that gets lit.
Steps: Green / Yellow / Red
Green — Proceed with the plan
Signal: readiness, low cost, clear step.
Move: proceed; keep stakes small; capture micro‑wins.
Yellow — Adjust, then proceed one size down
Signal: partial readiness, rising friction, unclear step.
Move: shrink time/size, add bounded choice, shift order; short horizon re‑check.
Red — Pause and stabilize
Signal: safety/ethics risk, high cost, incoherent context.
Move: pause; Brush/Repair/Invite/Govern; re‑enter when criteria return.
Examples
Smooth run (Green): proceed; stack micro‑wins; follow plan and adapt accordingly.
Transition wobble (Yellow): 10‑second start + A/B choice → re‑check.
Escalation spike (Red): pause → Repair → Invite with micro‑role.
Ethics and Observability Airlock
Non‑aggression constraint: TLC should not be used to justify coercion.
External‑only observation: use TLC to assess conditions + cost, not others’ inner states.
Reversibility: smallest move first; ensure they are easy to undo.
Related Links
Practice Hub – /foundations/practice
BRIG – /foundations/practice#brig
Clear Mirror, Calm Water (MIND) – /foundations/mind-posture
Doctrine Airlock – /foundations/doctrine#airlock