In my work as a coach, I’ve sat in front of numerous global workers and had discussions about a toxic work environment, dysfunctional team dynamics, or worry over the lack of resources for their kids in a specific country or area. 

The whole topic can feel overwhelming, foggy, and make workers feel unsure about what is causing the chaotic tension.

One specific couple, after realizing the depth of harm they were experiencing in their organization, asked a few simple questions that didn’t have any simple answers. They asked, “If we leave this organization, how do we know that the next organization will be any better? How can you tell if an organization is healthy or not?”

I began asking them questions about their values, vision, and expectations for care on the field. We dug into family needs, financial concerns, and leadership hopes. As we went back and forth about the questions, I realized this was really a red, yellow, green discussion. This is something that many of us could be asking about our work, our field, our team, or our leadership.

What does red, green, and yellow, or RYG, mean in this context?

RYG is a framework for evaluating and honestly looking at values, choices or topics. It is a simple way to uncover a lot of information or data within specific guidelines.

It was originally created as a practical, compassionate framework for evaluating individual capabilities, team dynamics, and organizational support for neurodiversity in cross-cultural ministry settings.

But with broadening the scope of this tool, we hope to include many other topics and ways that it can be helpful and useful to global workers.

The RGY Tool

Green means “Go.” Things are healthy and aligned with your goals and values.

Yellow means “Caution.” There are some areas of tension, gaps, or questions that need honest conversations before making a decision or choice.

Red means “Stop.” Something is being revealed in the data that feels unsafe, unhealthy, or out of alignment. 

The colors don’t tell you what to do but they can help you see what is true, needs more details, or might bring new concerns to the conversation.

When you name what is red, yellow, and green, you give yourself permission to ask good questions and gather relevant information that is specific and oriented with your work, family, field, and calling in mind.

The tool looks at 7 areas:

1—Vision & Values

2—Leadership & Culture

3—Member Care & Support

4—Communication & Decision-Making

5—Financial & Practical Stability

6—Theology & Ministry Approach

7—Personal Fit

How to Use the Framework

As with the couple above, RYG could be used as a fit check for your current organization or when you’re exploring a new one. You can ask questions like:

—Are leadership and communication transparent?

—Is member care available and encouraged?

—Are finances, theology, and vision clearly shared and aligned?

—Do you feel seen, valued, and supported where you serve?

Color-coding your responses helps you see patterns quickly. Maybe leadership is green but care systems are yellow. Maybe finances or team dynamics are red. Whatever the mix, those colors start a conversation about alignment, safety, and sustainability.

Why This Matters

Many global workers stay in yellow or red environments far too long because they feel obligated, fearful, or unsure if another organization would be any better. But discernment begins with honesty. 

It’s hard to fix or change what you can’t name, and you can’t heal in a place that consistently causes harm. It can also be very challenging to make decisions about transition, dynamics, or systems without a good way to sort out all of the information to be considered. 

It takes time to ask yourself, “Is this a green, yellow, or red environment for me and my family?” But intentionally taking the time can bring clarity, courage, and next steps. Sometimes that means initiating hard conversations; sometimes it means finding a new place to belong. Either way, naming what’s true is the first step toward health.

Healthy organizations aren’t perfect, but they are self-aware and willing to grow. They welcome feedback, encourage rest, and care for people as much as the mission.

If you’re in a yellow or red season, remember that naming what’s wrong or hard isn’t disloyal. It isn’t complaining or keeping records of wrongs. In fact, honestly evaluating with helpful tools like RGY is wise. God cares about your health and your wholeness even more than your productivity.

So pause, take an honest look, and ask yourself: What color is my current environment or organization and what might God be inviting me to do next?

Finding the right organizational fit isn’t just about where you serve. It’s about how you live and grow there. The right fit can draw out your gifts, steady your calling, and help you flourish for the long haul. 

It’s also important to note that what used to fit or align well might feel off and misaligned with where you are in life right now. That’s normal. Seasons change, and so do we.

This tool will help you prayerfully and practically discern where things stand at this moment. It’s a chance to notice what’s healthy, what’s stretching you, and where God might be inviting a shift. 

Think of it as a gentle check-in with Him about your current reality. Let Him help you figure out what’s green and thriving, what’s yellow and needs care, and what’s red and might need change. 

Whether you’re in a season of growth or recalibration, this reflection can help you tend your soul and move toward greater health and wholeness in your work and life.

Get the fit check here: