The Johari Window is one of those models that many people are aware of, but few people use. Which is unfortunate, because it’s a simple and powerful model for guiding self-development. Show
In this article I’ll share everything you need to get started. I’ll explain the Johari Window, share some personal examples, and provide simple exercises for you to make the most of the model. The Johari Window explainedThe Johari Window (or the Jo Harry Window) was developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham. As you may have just realized, the name of the model is derived from a combination of their first names! It’s a simple, 4-box matrix that looks at what is known and unknown, to yourself and others. As you can see, the 4 boxes are:
The value of reflecting on these different ‘windows’ is that each one offers you a different approach to personal development. A tool for personal developmentPersonal development takes many different forms, the 70 / 20 / 10 model may be familiar to you, and the Johari Window provides another complementary and unique perspective. Each window provides a different vehicle for development:
Take a look at my Johari Window personal examples, below. The Johari Window: personal examplesThe Johari Window can be used in a couple of different ways. In my case, I’ve used it as a model to guide my development through self-reflection and personal action. Download the ‘Reflection Activity Action Planner’ PDF Here are my Johari Window personal examples: In the Open Area, during career and development conversations with my manager, I discuss the personal development needs that we’re both aware of. These currently include:
The Blind Spot offers the opportunity to seek feedback from coworkers, your manager, and your team. I do this on a regular basis. This helps me to:
And if you’re asking yourself “How can I seek feedback on a blind spot? I don’t know what I don’t know!” remember that how you seek feedback can vary. You can ask for feedback on specific skills, but you can also ask open questions such as “What’s one thing I should do differently, that would really enhance my performance?“. There’s more here on seeking feedback. Download the ‘Requesting Feedback Action Planner’ PDF The Hidden Area has several different applications. I consider this area and decide what to share about myself when I’m:
The Unknown is the fun zone! It’s all about discovering your potential through new activities. This is your opportunity to cultivate a growth mindset, create new challenges for yourself, learn and grow. Download the ‘Growth Mindset Activities Action Planner’ PDF If you’re not sure what challenges to take up, look at our 30-day challenge ideas (not all growth has to be serious, you can have fun too!). Your Johari Window exercisesYou can use the Johari Window for personal reflection and personal development planning, as I have done. This involves reflecting and acting on 4 questions:
You can also use the Johari Window to enable more productive 1-1 conversations and team discussions. 1-1 conversations & team discussionsJoseph Luft and Harry Ingham conceived a Johari Window exercise that involves a list of adjectives which the participants select from and place in the ‘windows’ of the model. This provides the basis for powerful discussions that fuels personal growth and team building. There are a couple of online resources that allow you to complete your Johari Window, in collaboration with others, in a virtual environment. Kevan.org – the interface looks clunky, but it actually works well! Miro.com – a template from Miro, the online collaborative whiteboard platform. Use the Johari Window as I have, by reflecting and acting on each ‘window’, or to enable a 1-1 or team discussion. What is your unknown self?Unknown Self
This is the part of our self that neither we, nor the others can see. It contains all those things which are out of our awareness. That is, depressed feelings and experiences which have been stored deeply in our subconscious.
What is the window in Johari's that is known to self but unknown to others?The Johari Window explained
As you can see, the 4 boxes are: The Open Area (known by yourself, and know by others too) The Blind Spot (unknow by yourself, but known by others) The Hidden Area (known by yourself, but unknown by others)
What is unknown self in Johari Window example?Unknown: These people know very little about themselves and reveal little or nothing to others. They are often insecure and have difficulty trusting others. The Johari Window can be used to help people understand their own behaviour and that of others. It can also be used to improve communication and relationships.
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