Johari Window
(Luft Ingham)

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What is the Johari Window? Description

The Johari Window method (JW) from Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham (hence: Joseph & Harry = Johari) helps us understand how we are giving and receiving information. The JW can help to illustrate and improve the self-awareness between individuals and teams. It can also be used to change group dynamics within a business context.

The Johari Window model is sometimes called: a 'disclosure/feedback model of self awareness', and: an 'information processing tool'. It actually represents information: feelings, experience, views, attitudes, skills, intentions, motivation, etc within or about a person in relation to their group, from four perspectives:

1. Arena. What is known by the person about him/herself and is also known by others. Examples: your name, the color of your hair, the fact you own a dog. One can and should increase the size of this region by increasing Exposure and Feedback Solicitation. (Diagram 2)
2. Blind Spot. What is unknown by the person about him/herself but what others know. Examples: your own manners, the feelings of other persons about you.
3. Façade. What the person knows about him/herself that others do not know. Such as: your secrets, your hopes, desires, what you like and what you dislike.
4. The Unknown. What is unknown by the person about him/herself and is also unknown by others. This information has an unknown potential to influence the rest of the JW.

In the beginning of a communication process, when you meet someone, the size of the Arena quadrant is not very large, since there has been little time and opportunity to exchange information. The general rule of thumb is that you should try to expand the Arena to become the dominant window, thus demonstrating transparency, openness and honesty in interactions (Diagram 2). Probably when you do this, the other party will also open himself up.

The writing about this topic often refers to the singular ("self"). But by changing the word "self" into "team", the model also allows a team dynamic approach.
 

Origin of the Johari Window. History

The JW model was developed by American psychologists Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in the 1950s, while they were researching group dynamics. Today the JW model is especially relevant because of the modern emphasis on soft skills, behavior, empathy, cooperation, inter-group development and interpersonal development. Interestingly, Luft and Ingham called their Johari Window model 'Johari' after combining their first names, Joseph and Harrington. In early publications the word actually appears as 'JoHari'. The JW became a widely used model to understand and train self-awareness, for personal development, to improve communications, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, team development and inter-group relationships.

Usage of the Johari Window. Applications

The JW is generally used for teaching and considering and administering an understanding of:

• How individuals communicate with themselves and with others.
• How individuals present themselves to themselves and to others.
• How individuals perceive their place in the world.

With a little consideration Johari is also suitable for multiple usage:

• Coaching to facilitate conversations around 'actions vs. perceived motivations'.
• As an Organizational Development tool to visualize the political and cultural issues that may be in or out of sync within a business.
• As a management tool to demonstrate the dynamics in a team.
• As a self-development tool that helps to consider one's own 'behavior vs. reaction'.

Steps in the Johari Window. Process

There exist questionnaires that will define the place of the individual and or team in relation to one another.

Strengths of the Johari Window. Benefits

• Easy to grasp, flexible outcomes.
• The method catalyses open information sharing.
• The method will create a shared reference point.

Limitations of the Johari Window. Disadvantages

• Some things are perhaps better not communicated (your sexual behavior, mental health problems or large-scale failures).
• Some people may pass on the information they received further than you desire.
• Some people may react negatively.
• Using the JW is a useless exercise if it is not linked to activities that reinforce positive behavior, or that correct negative behaviors.

Assumptions of the Johari Window. Conditions

In reality Johari's assumption is the same as any feedback-tool: the individuals which are experiencing the process must proceed further to create Development Plans, etc.

References:
Luft J. and Ingham H. (1955), "The Johari Window: A graphic model for interpersonal relations', Univ. Calif. Western Training Lab

Luft J. (1961), "The Johari Window", Human Relations Training News, 5.1, pp 6-7

Luft J. (1969), "Of Human Interaction", Palo Alto, CA: National Press.

Forum Forum discussions about the Johari Window. Below you can ask a question about this topic, share your experiences, report a new development, or explain something. Start a new topic about Johari Window Share your knowledge here (or ask a question)   Use of Johari Windows in Office as HR Manager.? Hi, could somebody tell the answer of this question, its all about Johari windows: How I can use Johari Windows in my office as HR manager?... 15   2 comments Fear of Eye Communication How can I overcome the fear of eye communication I am person of calm going, but when I am communicating with some persons, I am unable to see them directly to their eyes, which is important in good c... 13   3 comments The 4th Johari Window (Mystery) is Never Realized As a qualified NLP, TFT, EFT and NES therapist, I would like to be able to incorporate my therapies to empower people to de-mysticise the 4th quadrant in the Johari window. From my own experience, it... 13   2 comments Johari Window in 360 Degree Feedback The model can serve as a useful tool for the 360-degree appraisal system particularly in situations where the focus is on soft skills as against hard facts about performance figures. It can be ideal f... 11   1 comments No Need to be Afraid to Ask Sensitive Questions An interesting research by Hart, VanEpps and Schweitzer reveals that many people are hesitant to ask sensitive questions (for example about salary, lifestyle choices and relationships) to other people... 9   4 comments 🔥 NEW The Link Between Transformational Leadership (IC) and the Johari Window (Facade) A popular and well liked leadership philosophies is Transformational Leadership (TL). This concept is all about leading people and disowning your self-interests for the benefit of the people you lead ... 8   3 comments Communication and Johari Window in Health Care How can the Johari Window aid to communication in the provision of health care? Can it also be a hindrance? How?... 8   2 comments Johari Window in Case of Reserved Other Person Johari window does not make sense to me. If someone is reserved how do you tap him/her to communicate? Or reach their blind spot? So that there can be feed back...... 6   2 comments

Expert Tips Advanced insights about the Johari Window. Here you will find professional advices by experts. Online Johari Window Tool Apply the Johari Window to Yourself According to Kevan Davis and his Online Johari Window tool, the subject is given a list of 55 adjectives, out of which h...

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding the Johari Window. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. Personal Communication: JoHari Window Explained Understanding Giving and Receiving of Information The Johari Window helps us understand how we are giving and receiving information in four situations or areas: 1. Publi... Johari Window in Depth Information Processing, Disclosure and Feedback of Information, Communication, Coaching, Group Relationships Presentation that explains the Johari Window sections in detail. The following sections are included: 1. Background of... Hearing versus Listening Communicating Effectively, Active Listening, Coaching, Mentoring A comprehensive presentation about listening and how to do it well. Includes a scheme of the steps in the listening pro... Introduction to Johari Human interaction Good presentation on Johari Window introducing the 4 quadrants and 7 principles of change within the Johari window. Int... Latent Knowledge Knowledge Creation Knowledge management theory has struggled with the concept of knowledge creation. Since the seminal article of Nonaka in... Communication Essentials: Non-verbal, Verbal and Listening Skills Communication Skills, Personal Skills, Confidence, Power, Influence, Sincerity, Trust Presentation about communication skills, including non-verbal and verbal communication and listening skills. The present... 7 Differences between Good and Great Speakers Best Practice for Speakers Dianna Booher discusses 7 differences between good and great speakers: All good speakers do good on the 7 items below, ... Johari Window Diagrams Interpersonal Communication Download and edit these 12manage PowerPoint graphics for limited personal, educational and business use. Republishing i...

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