Openness shows in the degree of self-disclosure: a person’s readiness and willingness to outwardly show thoughts and feelings and accept openness from others.

GUARDED BEHAVIORS

• Keeps feelings private: shares only on a “need-to-know” basis
• Makes most decisions based on evidence (objective)
• Focuses conversation on issues and tasks; stays on subject
• More formal and proper
• Goes with the agenda
• Fact- and task-oriented
• Takes time to get to know in business or unfamiliar social situations
• Disciplined about how their time is used by others
• Prefers to work independently
• Avoids/minimizes physical contact
• Tells, or enjoys listening to, goal-related stories and anecdotes
• Limited range of facial expressions during speaking and listening
• Shows less enthusiasm than the average person
• Formal handshake
• Less likely to give nonverbal feedback, if given at all
• Responsive to realities/actual experiences/facts

OPEN BEHAVIORS

• Self-disclosing
• Shows and shares feelings freely
• Makes most decisions based on feelings (subjective)
• Conversation includes digressions; strays from subject
• More relaxed and warm
• Goes with the flow
• Opinion- and feeling-oriented
• Easy to get to know in business or unfamiliar social situations
• Flexible about how their time is used by others
• Prefers to work with others
• Initiates/accepts physical contact
• Shares, or enjoys listening to, personal feelings, especially if positive
• Animated facial expressions during speaking and listening
• Shows more enthusiasm than the average person
• Friendly handshake
• More likely to give nonverbal feedback
• Responsive to dreams/visions/concepts