The Johari Window

22nd Jul 2023

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What is it?

Johari Window is a model made by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955. They created the model to allow individuals to communicate more authentically and encourage the growth of a healthy relationship within the team.

^{Johari Window Model}

A Reflection of Self

Upon analysing the two different models done by two separate individuals, they each reflects my personalities to a certain extent. While there is a standard list of adjectives used for the model, the perception of the word used is subjective to each person’s understanding. In addition, there might be limitations to the level of personal information one is willing to share with the other party. This can be dependent on their level of relationship. In my opinion, I would think that the model of a closer friend would provide a more accurate depiction of myself as compared to a new friend.

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Analysing…

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I think it is interesting to realise the variation of model when comparing a long-time friend, A and a new friend, B. 

^{Johari Window of Close Friend – Friend A (Yow)}

For friend A, I have known him since 2018. We were quick to become close friends and throughout those 5 years, the interactions we have made us closer with one another. This exposes a lot of hidden characteristics of myself behind closed doors. Which could explain only 3 adjectives were grouped in the ‘Hidden Area’.

With friend A, I believe he would be a more reliable judge in pointing out the adjectives in the ‘Blind Spot’. Within those 5 years of interactions, there are higher chances for him to get to know me and recognise any characteristic I do not know I exhibit. 

Before starting on the Johari Window, I had thought that friend B’s model will have a larger proportion of ‘Unknown’, ‘Hidden Area’ and ‘Blind Spot’ as compared to the ‘Open Area’. However it didn’t have the exact depiction I had thought. Instead, the ‘Unknown’ area is much smaller than I thought. 

^{How I thought friend B’s model will look.}

^{Actual Johari Window of New Friend – Friend B (Justin)}

For friend B, I have known him for only a lesson which consisted of very restricted conversational topics. Communications with B are mostly formal and it is unlikely for us to share something we are uncomfortable with. Most of the time when we are meeting someone for the first time, we are more self-conscious and self-aware of how we present ourselves. Thus it wasn’t too surprising to see the bigger area ‘Hidden Area’ took up in the model involving him.

Most of the adjectives identified by friend B in the ‘Blind Area’ were more complex characteristics which required a deeper understanding and more interactions to judge if I were to exhibit those traits. With just one meeting prior to drawing up the Johari Window, it is unlikely for B to determine any characteristics I do not know of myself.

We should take into considerations the interpretations of the words and the meaning individuals have of the word for a more accurate depiction of the model.

The Ideal Johari Window

In my opinion, this model is a good starting point of communication with the team. The team can have many conversations regarding the adjectives they have placed accordingly in each other’s model. With open communications, the team will be able to understand each other better and with each interaction, they can acknowledge each other’s ‘Hidden Area’. Working together to complement their strengths and shortcomings, the team will be able to flourish and achieve more impressive results through scaling down the ‘Hidden’ area.

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It is equally important that individuals receive feedbacks too. With the ‘Blind’ area, the individuals are able to grasp an understanding of how they are perceived in front of their teammates. This could be a possible point of contention between the team members. With feedbacks provided, they are able to learn and improve on themselves. This can result in the horizontal expansion of the ‘Open Area’.

In an ideal scenario a team member converses and receives feedback for it. At the same time, he/she is able to listen and gives feedback in return. With such interactions, the team is able to achieve the ideal Johari Window, where The ‘Open Area’ is bigger in proportion to ‘Hidden Area’, ‘Blind Spot’ and ‘Unknown’ area.

I found it very interesting to be able to learn so much about another through effective communications. However the first step to learning would be to comprehend. What do you think?

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