6 Types of Disclosure

Orientation

You expect to be taken seriously and are ready to approach the other party in a social conventional way.

This approach initially requires public disclosure of your thoughts and wishes, and it necessarily leads to self-exposure.

Remember: The function of disclosure is to present oneself to another so as to make a connection that may offer future compatibility.

When you approach, you must be prepared for a range of responses beyond simple agreement—including an alternative view, a misunderstanding, re-framing or direct rejection.

Because you seek a connection, you must be ready to adjust your thinking and style of interaction through polite constructive dialogue. Those adjustments form the first hints as to likely compatibility.

CG21: Reasonable Proposition

Function:  To enable an exchange with a suggestion or conclusion that deserves consideration.

ClosedExamples:

Given your teaching commitments, why don't we arrange our meetings in the late morning.

Everyone in the family should develop complementary skills so that together we can take advantage of opportunities.

The club needs at least 50 new full membership subscriptions if it is to be able to pay all its bills and survive.

Your Exposure:

Whatever you say enables the other party to make an assessment of your grasp of the situation and the quality of your judgements about it.

CG22: Implicit Division

Function:  To propose that there are two sides with the potential for polarization and conflict.

ClosedExamples:

You want a relaxing holiday while I want some excitement.

Our bridge game becomes stressful when some apply professional conventions while the rest are content to be amateurs and just have fun.

We all want greater profitability but these changes are at the expense of employee morale.

Your Exposure:

You may be publicizing something that the other party avoids noticing or wants to keep hidden.

You may open yourself to pressure to align with one or other side or to state your alignment or non-alignment.

CG23: Historical Lesson

Function:  To propose that guidance for the future should be based on events in the past.

ClosedExamples:

Every time we plan a date, we underestimate the noisiness of the venue—but surely not this time?

As the children have grown older, they have become more independent so it makes sense to start providing them with greater opportunities for adventure.

Let's improve employee communication about the coming reorganisation or productivity will drop just as it did last time.

Your Exposure:

Your position on past events may be biased or controversial.

Your implications may assume values that are not shared.

CG24: Chosen Development

Function:  To propose a feasible future state of affairs that incorporates personally desirable values.

ClosedExamples:

You know I love animals and exotica, so instead of our usual beach holiday let's use some of our savings to go on an African safari next year.

Our little group has matured and we regularly help each other in small ways, but it is surely possible to offer more care when someone falls ill.

We are just finishing refurbishing the office, and now it would be great if everybody personalizes their cubicles and rooms without putting valuables at risk.

Your Exposure:

You will reveal:

► your attunement to current realities and practicalities
► your current priorities and desires, and
► how you envisage these two positions interacting.

CG25: Legitimate Presumption

Function:  To propose a socially recognized rule or way of functioning that no-one should reject without good reason.

ClosedExamples:

If I drive, then you navigate. OK?

From now on, it is only fair that everyone in the family plays their part in ensuring the housework gets done.

This Board must decide via debate in the meeting rather than by rubber-stamping something privately settled beforehand.

Your Exposure:

You will reveal your awareness of standards and conventions and your reliance on past experiences with these.

CG26: Relevant Authorization

Function:  To propose that what applies in a particular situation is backed by an appropriate authority.

ClosedExamples:

Don't criticize me, dear: I don't usually pick up hitch-hikers, but in that shocking weather it would have been a sin not to.

We have a strict rule that everyone pays their own way on group trips, but Tom's just lost his job and Sara, who has held this group together for years, says we must cover for him.

The Board emphasizes employee initiative, so even if we never give refunds, this request from our biggest customer must be honoured.

Your Exposure:

You will reveal what you think the situation calls for, as well as your appreciation of the relevant authorities and how they should be used.

  • Further analyses of the dyadic disclosures.

Originally posted: 6-Oct-2026.