Johari Window

The Johari Window helps us understand how we see ourselves compared to how others see us.

Open orPublicArena

BlindSpot

Façade orHidden

Area

Unknown

Known Unknown

SELF

Known

Unknown

OT

HE

RS

The Open/Public Arena relates to things known to myself and others. For example, a person’s height,eye color and occupation all fall under the open area. The more you know about yourself and themore you reveal to others, the larger your open arena. Communication is open, with minimaldefensiveness.

The blind spot is the window showing things other people know about me, but which I don’t knowabout myself; it is sometimes called the “spinach in the tooth”: or “bad breath” window. Alsoincluded here may be such things as physical mannerisms and certain personality characteristics.(for example, a person who gets angry quite easily but sees him/herself as a calm individual.

The façade or hidden area relates to things I know about myself, but other people don’t know, whichmeans I wish to keep them hidden; this is the “skeleton in the closet” window. It has to do with theour personal, private self, and includes our opinions, attitudes and biases. How much we keephidden depends on how close we are to another person; we usually reveal more about ourselves topeople we trust. Included in the façade window may be such things as previous bad school or workExperiences, unwanted personality traits, and negative reactions towards another person. A variation of this façade is the false façade. This relates to things I think are hidden from the otherperson but which really are not. For example, I may dislike another person, yet try to be nice; however, (s)he sees through my false façade and detects the underlying hostility.

The final window is called unknown because it relates to things neither I nor the other person knowabout me - things which are usually hidden in the unconscious. We know the unconscious existsbecause we occasionally act out certain behaviors and have trouble tracing back the reasons for them.

Change in the blind and hidden areas is possible through revelation and feedback.

Johari Window: The Open-Receptive Person

Open/Public

Blind Spot

Hidden/FaçadeArea

Unknown

The open-receptive person has a large public area, reflecting someone who is open about him/herself and receptive to feedback from others. This is the person who has a clear self-image and enough confidence in who he/she is to be visible to others. If in a management role, the open-receptive person has employees who tend to feel respected and encouraged to grow.

Known to Others

Unknown to Others

Known To Self Unknown to Self

Johari Window: The Pumper

Open/Public

Blind Spot

Hidden/FaçadeArea

Unknown

The pumper has a large hidden area, reflecting someone who keeps information to him/herself. This is a person who is always asking for information and giving little in return - the game player. If the pumper is in a management role, employees tend to feel defensive with and resentful of this individual.

Known to Others

Unknown to Others

Known To Self Unknown to Self

Johari Window: The Hermit

Open/Public

Blind Spot

Hidden/FaçadeArea

Unknown

The hermit has a large unknown area, reflecting a lack of self knowledge and understanding. This is the person you can’t figure out. The hermit’s behavior tends to be unpredictable and security oriented. If in a management role, employees tend tofeel insecure and confused about expectations.

Known to Others

Unknown to Others

Known To Self

Unknown to Self

Johari Window: The Blabbermouth

Open/Public

Blind Spot

Hidden/FaçadeArea

Unknown

The blabbermouth has a large blind area, reflecting someone who talks a lot but does not listen too well. This is the person who is preoccupied with him/herself, and doesn’t know when to keep quiet. If the blabbermouth is in a management role, employees tend to get annoyed with this person and eventually will either actively or passively learn to shut him/her up.

Known to Others

Unknown to Others

Known To Self

Unknown to Self