Seeing the Fuller Picture -
Johari Window

Beware the blindspot

What seems blindingly obvious to one person, really isn't always that evident to someone else. We don't know how we come across to others, what contextual factors we might be unaware of or that we have spinach in our teeth! Often we need others to tell us these things or to look in a mirror. This is where the Johari Window (Luft and Ingham, 1955) is helpful. It's named as such because it was formulated by Joe and Harry and they merged their names - not a mystic wonder as you might think!.

What is in the Open quadrant is information that is known to us and to others as well. We both know that I am wearing bright yellow trousers to work and that I can become a bit snappy when stressed. These are open facts, known to both of us.

What is in the Blind quadrant is information that others know about me, but that I am unaware of. If I have paint on my back and always behave in a particular way in meetings I may have no awareness of that unless you tell me. It' s my blindspot - without truthful feedback from you I may always remain unaware of it.

What is Hidden is what I am aware of, but that I hide from you. It maybe some of my life story or my desire for flowers on a Friday. These things will always remain hidden if I don't communicate them with you.

What is in the Unconscious quadrant are the things that are unknown to both you and me. It is an area of exploration of self; it's the zone that can only become smaller through curiosity and feedback.