Roundabouts and traffic lights

Have you ever noticed how much traffic flow and work flow have in common?

When it comes to intersections when driving your car, the two main ways road authorities handle congestion is using either a roundabout or a set of traffic lights.  Both serve their purpose, well given the right conditions.

The roundabout keeps traffic moving, and seems like a perfect answer, yet have you noticed how many near misses occur at a roundabout? It is close to chaos and it just seems to work, most of the time.  

The traffic lights are much more rigid.  You stop.  You go.  The only real way an accident occurs if someone fragrantly disobeys the rules (runs the red light).  The main issue for traffic lights is if the process interrupts the flow, and in some cases, causes big delays.

When it comes to the intersections of process, strategy and planning in your work team, do you tend to go with the roundabouts or the traffic lights?  Do you keep the flow moving, but risk the occasional near miss or even crash for the sake of fluidity?  Or do you go for the easily understandable, if not a little regimented simplicity of green light, red light? 

Both roundabouts and traffic lights work brilliantly well given a certain situation.  The general rule of thumb when using these;

1. Use a roundabout process in high output and productivity areas.  You will need to be OK with a few near misses and crashes, and take out insurance to cover yourself.  This insurance isn’t a third party policy as such, but rather regular debriefs and strategy sessions.
2. Use the traffic lights around the high risk regions.  Be clear about what constitutes a stop and a go.  Also be prepared that it will interrupt flow and back things up in times of high traffic.

Driving better thinking your way,

Darren and Alison