An important tool for self-awareness. The Johari Window

Awareness is key in personal development and relationships. By understanding our own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the perception others have of us, we can work to improve ourselves and our interactions with others. There are several tools that can aid us in this process of emotional intelligence.

Ever hear of the Johari Window? It is one such tool that can be used to increase self-awareness and understand the dynamics of human interaction. Created in 1955 by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham, (Johari is a combination of their names) the model is used to help individuals better understand themselves and how they are perceived by others. The window consists of four panes ( or segments) of human interaction: open, blind, hidden, and unknown.

The open area represents information that is known to both the individual and others. This is the starting point for building trust and relationships as it sets a foundation of mutual understanding. The hidden area contains information that the individual is aware of but chooses not to share with others. This could be due to fear, shame, or simply not seeing the relevance. On the flip side, the blind spot is information that others are aware of but the individual is not. This can be due to biases, lack of self-awareness, or simple denial. Lastly, the unknown area holds information that neither the individual nor others are aware of. Oftentimes this comes to light through feedback or new experiences.

How is it used in organizational settings? The Johari Window is commonly used in organizational settings such as businesses as a way to increase communication and teamwork. When used in groups, the goal is to help individuals feel more comfortable sharing hidden information with others, as well as to better understand the perspectives of others. This increased understanding and communication can lead to more productive relationships and a greater sense of trust.

Here are some examples of questions that can be asked for each pane in a business setting and for personal development planning.

Open Area:

-What are my strengths?

-What do I enjoy doing?

-What values are important to me?

Hidden Area:

-What am I afraid of?

-What makes me uncomfortable?

-What do I not like to talk about?

Blind Spot:

-How might others see me differently than I see myself?

-Do I have any biases that could be affecting my judgement?

-Is there anything I'm refusing to see or acknowledge?

Unknown Area:

-What areas of personal growth do I want to explore?

-What new things would I like to try?

-What do I want to learn more about?

The Johari Window is a powerful tool that can be used to increase self-awareness, emotional intelligence and understanding in both personal and professional settings. By taking the time to reflect on each pane, we can gain valuable insights into our own behavior as well as the behavior of others. Awareness is the first step in creating positive change. So why not start today?

Have you ever tried using the Johari Window? What was your experience? Let me know in the comments!