Johari Window
Johari Window
• The Johari Window is a communication model that can be
used to improve understanding between individuals
• Developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham (the word
“Johari” comes from Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham)
• It is one of the most useful models describing the process of
human interaction
Johari Window
• Two key ideas behind the tool:
– Individuals can build trust between themselves by disclosing
information about themselves
– They can learn about themselves and come to terms with personal
issues with the help of feedback from others
• Using the Johari model, each person is represented by their
own four-quadrant, or four-pane, window.
– Each of these contains and represents personal information - feelings,
motivation - about the person, and shows whether the information is
known or not known by themselves or other people
Johari Window
– Johari Window Model
ARENA
(open/free)
BLIND SPOT
FACADE
UNKNOWN
(Hidden)
Johari Window
• Johari Window Model
– Quadrant 1: Open Area
• What is known by the person about him/herself and is also known
by others
– Quadrant 2: Blind Area, or "Blind Spot"
• What is unknown by the person about him/herself but which
others know. This can be simple information, or can involve deep
issues (for example, feelings of inadequacy, incompetence,
unworthiness, rejection) which are difficult for individuals to face
directly, and yet can be seen by others
– Quadrant 3: Hidden or Avoided Area
• What the person knows about him/herself that others do not
– Quadrant 4: Unknown Area
• What is unknown by the person about him/herself and is also
unknown by others
Johari Window
• Johari Window Model (contd.)
– The Open Self
• Ideal Situation
• Public Area
• Mutual Understanding and Friendship are highest
• Straight forward, open, and sharing
• No conflict
– The Blind Self
• Not known to self, but others know
• Unintentionally hurting others
• Potential interpersonal conflict
Johari Window
• Johari Window Model (contd.)
– The Hidden self
• Private
• Does not want to share with others
• Potential interpersonal conflict
– The Unknown self
• Mysterious
Johari Window
– Johari Window Panes
I know me I do not know
aware unaware
group knows
aware Arena Blind spot
Self
you Disclosure
unaware Facade Unknown
group does
not know
Feedback
Johari Window
– Johari Window Panes - BEHAVIORS/ACTIONS THAT CAUSE
PANES TO MOVE/CHANGE SIZE
• Knowing what the panes represent will help you understand and
describe behavior/action that causes the panes of the Johari
Window to move/change size.
• Arena - Giving and soliciting feedback; self-disclosure.
• Blind spot - Soliciting and being receptive to feedback.
• Facade - Giving feedback and self-disclosure.
• Unknown - Availing yourself of and being receptive to sharing
experiences of others; learning vicariously
Johari Window
– Johari Window Panes – Feedback
• Feedback is communication to a person or group providing
information as to how their behavior is affecting or influencing you
(giving feedback).
• It may also be a reaction by others as to how your behavior is
affecting or influencing them (receiving feedback).
Feedback can be verbal or nonverbal.
Johari Window
– Johari Window Panes – Feedback (contd.)
• Reasons for giving and receiving Feedback
– Allows personal growth.
– Enables the provider to learn about self.
– Enables the receiver to gain insight.
– Creates an open environment for effective operational and
interpersonal communications.
– Aids in preparation for the future; not dwelling on the past
Johari Window
– Johari Window Panes – Feedback (contd.)
• Guidelines for giving and receiving Feedback
Giving Feedback
– Is the feedback being given specific rather than general?
– Is the feedback being given focused on behavior rather than on the
person? (It is important that we concentrate on what a person does
rather than on what we think or imagine he/she is.)
– Does the feedback take into account the needs of the receiver of the
feedback?
– Is the feedback directed toward behavior which the receiver can do
something about?
– Is the feedback solicited rather than imposed?
– Is the feedback sharing of information rather than giving advice?
Johari Window
– Johari Window Panes – Feedback (contd.)
• Guidelines for giving and receiving Feedback
Giving Feedback (contd.)
– Is the feedback well timed?
– Does the feedback involve the amount of information the receiver
can use rather than the amount we would like to give?
– Does feedback reflective upon the problem/issue at hand?
– Is the feedback checked to ensure clear communication?
– Is the feedback evaluative rather than judgmental?
Johari Window
– Johari Window Panes – Feedback (contd.)
• Guidelines for giving and receiving Feedback
Receiving Feedback
– Establish a receptive atmosphere.
– State why you want feedback.
– Check what you have heard through parroting, paraphrasing, or
asking for clarification.
– Maintain an objective attitude about the feedback even if it is about
you.
– Share your reactions to the feedback, if practical
Johari Window
– Johari Window Panes – Feedback (contd.)
• What you can do with Feedback
– Use it
– Think about it
– Forget it
Johari Window
– Key points
• In most cases, the aim in groups should be to develop
the Open Area for every person.
• Working in this area with others usually allows for
enhanced individual and team effectiveness and
productivity. The Open Area is the ‘space’ where good
communications and cooperation occur, free from
confusion, conflict and misunderstanding.
• Self-disclosure is the process by which people expand
the Open Area vertically. Feedback is the process by
which people expand this area horizontally.
• By encouraging healthy self-disclosure and sensitive
feedback, you can build a stronger and more effective
team
Johari Window
– Exercise
I know I do not know
ARENA BLIND
group knows
(open/free) SPOT
group does FACADE UNKNOWN
not know
(Hidden)
The Open Receptive Person (Ideal)
Johari Window
– Exercise (contd.)
I know
ARENA BLIND
group knows (open/free) SPOT
group does
not know
FACADE UNKNOWN
(Hidden)
The Pumper Person (Interviewer)
Johari Window
– Exercise (contd.)
I do not know
ARENA BLIND
group knows (open/free) SPOT
group does FACADE UNKNOWN
not know
(Hidden)
The Hermit Person (Turtle)
Johari Window
– Exercise (contd.)
I know I do not know
ARENA BLIND
group knows
(open/free) SPOT
group does
not know FACADE UNKNOWN
(Hidden)
The Blabbermouth Person (Bull-In-China-Shop)
Johari Window
– Exercise (contd.) – new team member or member within a new team
I know I do not know
ARENA
(open/free) BLIND SPOT
group knows
group does FACADE UNKNOWN
not know
(Hidden)
established team member
Johari Window
• Exercise (contd.)
– Which pane of the Johari window reveals information about your hair color?
__Open
__Blind
__Hidden
__Unknown
– 2. In a healthy relationship, both individuals disclose the same amount of information.
__True
__False
– 3. Which pane of the Johari window reveals information about your secret dreams and
ambitions?
__Open
__Blind
__Hidden
__Unknown
– In a typical relationship, the sooner the two individuals engage in self-disclosure,
better the relationship will be.
__True
__False
