“RAG Status” describes R / A / G = Red, Amber or Green for project Status. Find out more now.
“RAG Status” stands for R / A / G = Red, Amber or Green (it’s an acronym, which means Annoying Manager Word!)
![](https://business-docs.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/edd/2020/09/BDUK-4054-RAG-Status-Template-5-Traffic-Lights-850x478.jpeg)
It is commonly used in Project Status reporting to communicate the level of risk.
The Idiots Guide to RAG STATUS
- RED = High Risk
- AMBER = Medium Risk
- GREEN = Low Risk
The Typical RAG Status Conversation
Manager: “What is your RAG status, Mr Smithers?”
You: “I have GREEN for Project Sunshine, and AMBER for Project Saving Rear”
Good – you passed!
Need more help? Here are a few RAG Status Examples
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RAG Status Template PowerPoint$ 23.99
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Project Status Report Template Discount Bundle (PPT & Excel)$ 73.49
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Solution-focused Excel Risk Log with Dashboard Template$ 19.98
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Dashboard Report (Powerpoint)$ 21.99
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Contract History 2023 (PowerPoint)$ 17.21
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Board Report Template – Keynote$ 19.99
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Market Analysis Presentation$ 19.99
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Board Report Template$ 19.99
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Keynote Disaster Recovery Plan Presentation Template$ 21.97
Watch Out – RAG STATUS can mean different things !!
“Do I need to poke nose in and mess your life up??” Management RAG Status
- RED = Your manager MESSES UP YOUR PROJECT IMMEDIATELY.
- AMBER = Your manager HANGS AROUND ANNOYINGLY.
- GREEN = Your manager reverts to NORMAL PAIN IN THE REAR.
THE TRUTH: Project Manager’s RAG Status
This is what it really means.
- RED = My project is ABOUT TO GO BANG. I am PROTECTING MY ASS.
- AMBER = My project is ABOUT TO GO RED.
- GREEN = My project seems OK, so IT WILL BE AMBER OR RED NEXT WEEK.
MORE JARGON: “Issue Focussed RAG Status”
This will impress your managers. Use these exact words if you want to appear all business-like:
- RED = LIVE ISSUE: remedial action is required to bring the project back within budget or delivery schedule
- AMBER = ISSUE is being addressed: remedial action is in progress, and ISSUE is being addressed
- GREEN = NO LIVE ISSUE: no action required
Some more generalised Risk and Status communication formats
Summary – use RAG Status carefully!
RAG Status is a great tool for communicating status quickly, but beware : Make sure you define what the Red, Amber, and Green mean for you and your stakeholders!