Johari Window: A Tool for Self-Discovery and Teamwork That’s Surprising How Much It Improves You and Your Team

Has someone ever used a word to describe you that surprised you because you didn’t realize that was how others see you?

Today, we're exploring the Johari Window, a powerful tool for self-reflection and building stronger teams. We’ll explain what the Johari Window is,the benefits and then how it works with directions with the five steps on how to use it correctly.

The Johari Window is a simple yet insightful exercise that helps you discover hidden aspects about yourself and how others perceive you. It was developed in 1955, by American psychologists Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham with the idea to enhance the individual’s perception of others. This model is based on two ideas- the first idea, trust can be acquired by revealing information about you to others and the second idea:? you can learn a lot about yourself from others feedback.

The name ‘Johari’ comes from joining the founders first two names. The model is also known as the feedback/disclosure model of self-awareness in case you hear that name used somewhere else.

Here’s how The Johari Window Works

Imagine a window with four panes.

• IN the upper left is the Open Pane: This has Traits both you and your team see in yourself – these are a strong indicator of clear communication and understanding within the team.?
• In the lower left is the Hidden Pane: Qualities you see in yourself that others miss. Maybe you're a great listener who needs to create more space for others to speak up in meetings.
• Upper Right is your Blind Spot: Strengths your team recognizes that you don't. This can be an opportunity for growth, like colleagues perceiving you as idealistic, encouraging you to back your ideas with data.
• Lower right is the Unknown Pane: It has Undiscovered potential. Identify these qualities and explore how to develop them.

Before we give you the five steps on how to use it, let’s talk about the benefits to using it…

• Increased Self-Awareness: You Gain a better understanding of how you're perceived by colleagues.
• Stronger Relationships: You Build trust and connection based on shared understanding.
• Improved Communication: You’ll Approach interactions with valuable context from the Johari Window insights.
• Personal Growth: You can address blind spots and cultivate strengths identified by your team.
• Effective Feedback: You’ll? learn how to accept and utilize constructive criticism.

Here’s the 5 steps on how to use the Johari Window?

1. Gather a List of Adjectives describing personality traits. You can early google or AI this with ChatGPT, Cluse or Gemini.
2. Step two is Your Self-Assessment: Choose 5-6 adjectives that best describe you in a work setting.
3. Step three The Team Assessment: Have colleagues anonymously choose adjectives for you.
4. Step 4 Mapping the Window: categorize all adjectives into the Johari Window quadrants.
5. Step five is Discussion: Openly discuss why certain traits landed where they did. Be sure to have someone designed as the moderator to assure that feedback is delivered in a positive way and coach people not to be defensive.?

Do this exercise once every 8- 12 months as a refresher and to incorporate new team members.?

The Johari Window is a valuable tool for personal and team development. By understanding yourself and your teammates and how you're perceived, you’ll build a stronger, more successful team.

Your move.

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