A brief description of Johari window and how it's used for analysing individual traits to make a better use of them for improving team communication and performance in an organization.
3. What is Johari window?
Joseph Luft & Harry Ingham combined their last names “Joe” & “Harry” & called
this model Johari window for the 1st time.
It is a simple and useful model for illustrating & improving self-awareness and
mutual understanding between individuals within a group.
It can also be used to assess and improve a group’s relationship with other
groups.
4. Influence
Today the Johari window is especially relevant due to modern emphasis on :
Soft Skills
Behavior
Empathy
Cooperation
Inter-group development
Interpersonal development
5. Use of Johari Model
The Johari Window is a widely used model for understanding & training self-
awareness, personal development.
For improving communications, interpersonal relationships.
For facilitating group dynamics, team development & inter-group relationships.
The Johari Window concept is particularly helpful to understanding
employee/employer relationships within the Psychological Contract.
6. What does the model actually represent?
It represents information-feelings, experience, views, attitudes.
It also shows skills, intentions, motivation, etc within or about a person – in relation to their group,
from four perspectives.
7. Johari window 4 quadrants
1. Open
Known to self &
others
2. Blind
Not known to self
but known to
others
3. Hidden
Known to self but
not to others
4. Unknown
Not known to self
or others
8. Quadrant 1
This region is also known as the “area of free activity”. This is the information
about the person- behavior, attitude, feelings, emotions, knowledge,
experience, skills, views, etc. known by the person(“the self”) and known by the
group.
For instance if you are an outspoken or an extrovert in nature, you are
generally aware of this nature of yours and so are others around you.
The open area of any individual should be encouraged and is a fundamental
aspect of an effective leadership.
1. Open
Known to self &
others
9. Quadrant 2
This region is what is known to about a person by others in the group, but is
unknown by the person him/herself. It is the blind spot of a person.
A very common example of this is when a person is loud while speaking before an
audience. The person may not know or rather realize this but it is well known by
others.
The aim should be to reduce this area by seeking feedback from others & thereby
increase the open area or transparency to make better use of skills within a team
or group.
2. Blind
Not known to self
but known to
others
10. Quadrant 3
This quadrant is what is known to ourselves but kept hidden from, and therefore
unknown to others.
This may include ones sensitivities, fear, hidden agendas etc.
Organizations focus on preparing the individuals to disclose their hidden selves
and the extent to which the disclosure is to be done should be at the individual’s
discretion.
3. Hidden
Known to self but
not to others
11. Quadrant 4
It contains information, feelings, talent abilities, aptitudes, experiences, etc. that is
known to the person him/herself and unknown to others.
This is an area of self discovery or observations by collaborating with others.
Future lies in this area. Opening this window may boost trust within team
members.
4. Unknown
Not known to self
or others
13. BENEFITS
It may be used as a tool to explore the skills an individual possesses – or their
personal and professional characteristics.
It encourages reflection – enabling individuals and teams to consider strengths
and weaknesses.
It can be applied by a group to identify team skills and characteristics.
14. DRAWBACKS
No-one should feel obliged to reveal anything about themselves that they do
not feel comfortable sharing.
Inappropriate self-disclosure has its dangers.
By providing others with information about yourself, you give them power over
you.
It can put you in a position of weakness.