Data Validation List - Offset?

I have a worksheet with a drop down list for three items for a project status update: Green, Yellow and Red

Easy enough - However I would like the drop down list to show a color BUT enter a single letter, which represents a shape with the correct color associated. Currently I can do either or but not both...

I can get the associating color using "Conditional Formatting" but how do I get the data validation to select Green but enter "l"

Current lists name: ProjectColor, ProjectStatus

So selecting "Yellow" would enter "n" formatted in yellow with a font of Wingdings to show a <Yellow Square>

Any ideas?

I know that Access has this ability in a drop down list but I can't seem to get it in Excel.

Show one word in the drop down list - and input a different word in the cell.

Anyone have any ideas on this one?

You could eliminate the data validation Error Alert, and use the worksheet change event to change the color names to whatever and change the font.

Doing that would flush the Undo buffer, which, IMO, is a heavy price to pay.

Thanks shg!

I probably won't have a choice as this is a required feature for this worksheet so...macro it is.

Thanks again.

Just wanted to update everyone on a fix I can accross for my issue:

Using a combo box to select my list (Green, Yellow or Red)
Cell Link is in an unused cell formated as white and returns 1, 2 or 3 respectively.

Using an If Statment I can pull the correct value and replace with the correct letter. So, selecting Green in the drop down box, Enters 1 in cell F1, which in turn enters "l" in D1, formatted as Wingdings using a conditional format to highlight in Green gives me a green circle. The same system provides a yellow square and a red diamond.

I placed my control box over the cell that I need to show the results in: D1.
In the format section I marked the control to not print.

When the worksheet is opened you can read the results, when it is printed it has the colorful shapes that my manager has requested. Good times.