I am told that there is a corporation where every morning each executive switches on a coloured light bulb beside his name at the entrance. A green bulb means: 'I have time. My door is open. I am available. I am willing to listen.' A red bulb means: 'I am under pressure. I am very busy. Don't hassle me. Don't bother me unless it is extremely urgent.'
How do people signal their moods?

If you look grumpy, is it because someone has upset you? Is it because you have a hangover or are not feeling well? Is it because you are worried about some problem? Is it because you are tired or under pressure? Is it because you are depressed?

People have to pick up mood clues from facial expression, tone of voice, behaviour and general crankiness. This is a very clumsy and crude method -even for those who are very good at picking up the clues.

Very few people find it easy to indicate their mood to others. The most people manage is 'I am tired' or 'I am under pressure'. To this might be added: 'I gotto bed late last night' (meaning 'I have a hangover').

Would it not be convenient if our mood was written boldly on our foreheads so that everyone could tell at once what mood we were in? They could then adjust their behaviour accordingly.

When I have suggested to children the wearing of a mood badge which they could adjust to show their mood of the moment, they have not liked the idea. They fear that adults will take advantage of this openness.

The purpose of a 'mood code' is top rovide individuals with away of being able to signal their mood, and so facilitate dealings with others. If your secretary knows you are in a 'difficult' mood, then she knows how to deal with you.

The mood code is not an imposition but a benefit.

The main use of the mood code may be in the business world but the code could be used domestically or in any other environment.