ThroughFlow detects turbulence 2–4 weeks ahead of traditional metrics. Human Pulse detects 4–6 weeks ahead. Both signals are required — optimising either one alone creates new turbulence. Enter your weekly values below; the dashboard colour-codes status and tracks trends automatically.
Weekly Signal Tracking
Enter values each Friday — colour-coding applies automatically
| Metric | Trend |
|---|---|
|
ThroughFlow
Outcome signal
Completed ÷ (Completed + Rework) × 100
|
|
|
Human Pulse
Leading signal
Avg of 3 questions · 1–5 scale
|
Trend Graph
Signal trend — ThroughFlow (%) and Human Pulse (scaled)
Status Zones
Read against both metrics together
Smooth Flow
ThroughFlow 80%+ · Human Pulse 3.5+
Monitor monthly. Protect conditions creating this. No intervention needed.
Turbulence Forming
ThroughFlow 65–79% · Human Pulse 2.5–3.4
Diagnose within 1 week. Use A2 Pattern Recognition Table. Prepare intervention with A4.
Active Turbulence
ThroughFlow below 65% · Human Pulse below 2.5
Diagnose immediately using A2 + A3. Test intervention within 48 hours. Rollback if Pulse below 2.5 for 2 consecutive weeks.
Divergence Patterns
When the two signals separate
TF↓ · Pulse stable
Process or capacity issue. Check WIP overload, dependencies, technical debt.
TF stable · Pulse↓
Trust or safety issue forming. ThroughFlow will fall in 2–4 weeks if unaddressed.
TF↑ · Pulse↓
Unsustainable intervention. Output improving at cost of team health. Prepare rollback.
TF↓ · Pulse↑
Team feels better but output declining. Add a complementary lever.
Both↓
Wrong lever or turbulence worsening. Reverse immediately and re-diagnose.
Quick Reference
ThroughFlow
Completed ÷ (Completed + Rework) × 100
70–85% Typical for knowledge work
Below 65% Diagnose immediately
80%+ Smooth flow
70–85% Typical for knowledge work
Below 65% Diagnose immediately
80%+ Smooth flow
Human Pulse — 1 to 5
Q1: Priorities were clear
Q2: Pace was sustainable
Q3: Safe to raise concerns
→ Average the three scores
Q2: Pace was sustainable
Q3: Safe to raise concerns
→ Average the three scores
Rollback Trigger
Human Pulse below 2.5 for 2 consecutive weeks
Rollback even if ThroughFlow is improving — sustainability takes precedence over short-term output.
Rollback even if ThroughFlow is improving — sustainability takes precedence over short-term output.
Toolkit
A1 · 5-min entry diagnostic
A2 · Pattern Recognition Table
A4 · Experiment Template
B1–B4 · Full measurement kit
A2 · Pattern Recognition Table
A4 · Experiment Template
B1–B4 · Full measurement kit
From Thriving in Turbulence · Neil Walker · neilwalker.net
Appendix A5 · Combined dashboard B3 · Both signals required