Public self, openly shared information, behaviours, feelings.

This quadrant represents what you and others both know about you — your visible skills, attitudes, and patterns. It’s where your conscious self meets your outward expression.

In daily life, you might feel confident about your abilities but still hold back in some moments, unsure how to fully express your strengths.

Example: You know you can deliver effective video presentations and believe they will turn out well, yet sometimes you hesitate, not quite sure how to engage fully or show your true capability. This small holding back masks your potential until you discover what subtle shifts help you shine.

Aspects you are unaware of but others notice.

This area contains strengths or habits visible to others but hidden from your own awareness. Recognising them can boost your self-trust and effectiveness.

You might be unaware that your partner sees you as patient and calm in challenging situations. However, this can sometimes lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy: your protective instincts may come across as jealousy or pressure, causing your partner to distance themselves—exactly the outcome you fear most.

Others might also notice your insight and reliability before you do. Becoming aware of these nuances can help you lean into your natural strengths and navigate those moments with confidence.

Example 1: Your partner notices your patience even when you don’t, but your overprotection creates tension that makes them pull away, highlighting patterns you hadn’t recognised.

Example 2: Colleagues see your insight and reliability before you fully recognise these qualities yourself. Acknowledging this feedback can empower you to act with more confidence.

Example 3: Your boss may appear to ‘enjoy’ provoking your emotions with subtle remarks, or may be unaware of the impact of their words. It’s natural to feel hurt or angry, but others might see your reactions as overly intense, which can create more friction and escalate tension.

Your awareness can be difficult when inside the situation, but outside, others may unwittingly fall into the same cycle, mirroring the boss’s behaviour as they follow for attention. Responding with calmness/neutrality can help you maintain control and diffuse the situation without dismissing your feelings.

Remember: The dynamics between you and others, including your boss, are often complex and unconscious. Whether intent is there or not, bringing awareness to these blind spots lets you choose responses that serve you best fostering healthier interactions and greater control.

Private feelings, thoughts, or abilities you don’t disclose

These are parts of yourself you keep private, sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously. Bringing them into awareness allows for more authentic expression and reduces internal conflict.

You may rush through worrying or challenging tasks to just get them done quickly and out of your way, even though you’re capable of doing them better when you allow yourself to slow down and tap into your potential. Becoming aware of this pattern can help you manage stress and improve outcomes.

Example 1: During meetings or reviews, you might stay quieter than intended or rush tasks, holding back your full expertise. Awareness of this helps you practice showing up intentionally and with greater impact.

Example 2: You feel hurt, frustrated or angry at condescending comments or subtle exclusion, but don’t share these feelings openly. Holding in this tension adds to your stress and may impact your well-being, even if others are unaware of your experience.

Example 3: You may be managing health concerns or personal aspects of your identity, e.g. cultural expectations or sexual orientation, that you’re not ready or willing to share openly. Yet, others might expect you to participate fully in social or professional settings, like attending events or gatherings, without understanding your boundaries or comfort levels.

This internal tension can create stress and make you feel isolated or pressured. Recognising these feelings helps you set boundaries and communicate your needs in ways that protect your wellbeing while maintaining your true presence- you might be invited to a social event where you’re expected to be open about parts of your identity or health that you’re not comfortable discussing. Choosing how and when to share, or respectfully setting limits, helps you maintain control over your personal narrative and wellbeing.

Subconscious feelings, latent abilities or undiscovered traits.

This area holds your untapped potential, automatic reactions, and patterns beneath conscious awareness. Exploring it can unlock new possibilities for growth and change.

Under pressure, you might find yourself responding habitually in ways that limit your influence without realising it. These hidden patterns can surface unexpectedly, especially in high-stakes situations, but bringing them into awareness opens doors to new, more effective responses.

Example: In a high-stakes presentation, stress triggers a habitual reaction you’re unaware of, which restricts your impact. Recognising this pattern gives you the chance to respond differently and more powerfully.