Yellow Light: Potential Behavior

A third class of verbal behaviors is defined by SAVI as 'potential'.  Behaviors defined as 'potential' do not directly reduce tensions generated by dissonance found within a communication system, nor do they sufficiently discriminate between approach and avoidance.  Instead, determining the function of potential behavior within a communication system depends upon the level of noise already present in the system.  In other words, the function of potential behaviors depends not on the potential messages themselves, but rather on what response they generate.  Direction of either approach or avoidance for potential behaviors can not be established until an approach or avoidance pattern can be established through responses.  
 

The function of potential behavior depends on context, which is why potential behaviors are referred to as 'neutral'.  Potential behaviors characteristically inquire about information or contribute new information to the system, serving as a resource for either 'red' or 'green' behavior, whichever is more prevalent.  When potential behavior is followed by more potential behavior, no evidence exists that information is getting used at all (cross-purpose communication). 

Potential behaviors are neutrally toned.  If not, they join 'red' behavior when tone indicates a goal to fight, obscure or compete.  Personal information can be defined as 'potential', differing from 'green' light behavior in that, while personal, the information contained within the message is limited to factual information about the self, like personal history, credentials, personal likes and dislikes.  This type of personal information lacks the 'feeling' aspect that characterizes approach behaviors.      

see SAVI GRID

Green Light: Approach Behaviors

A decrease in the amount of dissonance within the system results with the introduction of approach behaviors, meaning that the chances that information will actually transfer are increased. Solutions and resolutions to problems are more likely to take place with approach behaviors due to the clarity they bring to relationships- relationships between the topic and the individuals, between the individuals and themselves, and between the individual and others.
 

Approach behaviors contribute to solutions because they help the system process and evaluate by responding to and integrating with the input of others. The ability to process and evaluate supports the development of more effective solutions by creating an environment where information can safely be accepted, rejected, modified or organized without individuals seeing themselves as personally accepted, rejected, modified or organized.

Openness characterizes approach behaviors as a result of information within the message and the emotion used to deliver the message being aligned.  These messages tend to be composed of personally relevant meaning to the speaker (resonating messages). Approach behaviors allow for the communication of deeply held beliefs or positions, even if those beliefs or positions are not popular, and support the rights of others to do the same; in fact, an attribute of approach behaviors is that they invite others to do the same.
 

Feelings are clearly defined and openly revealed with approach behaviors. Feelings are marked as the speaker's own, and create a space that recognizes and confirms feelings communicated by others. As a result, an atmosphere of hearing and being heard is established, resulting in a system where information is more likely to be integrated and more effectively used to reach goals and solve problems.

see SAVI GRID

Red Light: Avoidance Behaviors

Avoidance behaviors are verbal interactions that introduce ambiguity, contradiction or redundancy (Shannon and Weaver, 1964) into the communication process. This introduction of dissonance into the communication system functions as a way to reduce tension by moving further away from actual problems by using behaviors like fighting, obsucring or competing. 

Avoidance behaviors tend to illicit additional avoidance behaviors, generating a cycle of tension-driven communication that prevents the sharing of personal information. Ironically, in situations where personal information is most needed, this cycle of avoidance assures that personal information becomes the scarcest resource available. 
 

Interestingly enough, tone of voice can render any statement a 'red-light' behavior. While statements that blame, complain, attack, put-down or criticize self or others are composed of words that clearly place them into 'red-light' behavior, a voice tone that is bombastic, righteous, whining, sarcastic, bullying, blameful, or self-defensive can place even the most neutral of comments into the 'avoidance' category.
 

see SAVI GRID