“Γν?θι σεαυτ?ν”, said the ancient Greeks.

“Know thyself,” said the ancient Greeks. This simple motto eventually led to philosophy, and later, to the development of social sciences. But when we explore our own motivations, we often overlook one crucial aspect — behavior cannot be studied in isolation from others. We are social creatures. Language, culture, and art all possess an emergent quality, meaning they only arise through interaction between people. As Konrad Lorenz once said, "One chimpanzee is not a chimpanzee at all."

In the 1950s, two psychologists from the University of California, Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham (hence the name "Johari"), explored a practical question: how can we reflect on the subtleties of our character without extensive knowledge of social sciences? They developed a matrix with four windows that describe your character in social contexts:

1. Open – traits known both to you and others
2. Hidden – traits you know about, but others don't
3. Blind – traits others see in you, but you don’t notice
4. Unknown – aspects of your personality that are unknown both to you and others

Luft believed that the most important thing was to increase the Open area. When you know your qualities, and I know yours, we can communicate more effectively, building trust. We can leverage each other's strengths and avoid pressing on each other’s weaknesses. This is quite beneficial, especially if your name isn’t Borgia and it’s not the 16th century.

To expand the Open area, you must reduce the other three:

• You reduce the Blind spot by seeking feedback from others:
• You reduce the Hidden zone by revealing more about yourself:
• The Unknown zone is the trickiest.

At first glance, expanding the Johari Window may seem risky. You might worry that people will learn too much about you and use it against you. But more often than not, these fears are exaggerated. Unless you're involved in shady business, there’s often little to hide. If you have nothing to conceal, there’s nothing anyone can use to blackmail, embarrass, or destabilize you. Doesn’t that provide a sense of real freedom?

Practical Application and My Take:

From my experience, the Johari Window is a powerful tool for personal growth and building authentic relationships. One of the key recommendations is to engage in intentional feedback sessions with people you trust. Ask them what they see in you — it’s often a reality check and an opportunity for growth.

For example, when I’ve seen teams use the Johari Window during feedback sessions, they often realize that what they believed was a strength was perceived by others as overwhelming or too dominant. This realization allows them to shift behavior and improve teamwork.

A simple way to get started:

• Ask for Feedback: Start small. Ask close friends or colleagues, "What’s one thing I could improve in my communication?" You might be surprised by how much insight this brings.
• Self-disclosure: Share something about yourself in a safe setting. Let people see more of your authentic self. If you've been holding back your sense of humor or creativity, show it! It can strengthen your connections.
• Try New Things: Often, parts of ourselves remain hidden until we step into unfamiliar territories. Is there a skill or hobby you’ve been curious about? Go for it — it might unlock something new within you.

By expanding the Open area, not only do you gain clarity about who you are, but others also gain a better understanding of how to relate to you. This builds trust, deepens connections, and fosters personal freedom.

Incorporating this approach into your life can have profound effects, especially when you commit to consistent self-reflection, honest feedback, and trying new experiences. It’s not just about knowing yourself better; it's about creating stronger, more authentic relationships with those around you.

How do you feel about expanding your "Open" zone in this way?