JoHari Window
The JoHari Window
During the 1950’s, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham developed a disclosure/feedback model of awareness. The Johari Window, named after its creators (Joe + Harry = JoHari), remains a contribution to the world of psychology and work environment today. The JoHari Window is essentially a window to one’s awareness of oneself. It can also serve as a useful tool in understanding how information is given and received in relationships. The model is divided into four distinct sections: (1) the open/free area, (2) the blind area, (3) the hidden area, and (4) the unknown. In developing a Johari Window, peers of the subject are asked to select five or six personality traits, from a set list, that they believe best describe the target individual, whom already selected traits about him/herself. After several peers have evaluated the person, the window begins to take form. (Gaw, 1976)
The open/free area contains information that is known about the individual, under mutual terms, between the public and the individual. The blind area represents information known by others but unknown by the individual. The third section, the hidden area, represents information about the individual which is avoided or hidden and not known by the public. The last section, the unknown area, contains information that is unknown by all and is yet to be created. (Gaw, 1976)
After reviewing this in class, and doing further research, it seems that the goal of the model is to simply help individuals have a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Individuals begin with larger hidden and unknown areas with blind spots slowly forming from first impressions. Over time, the individual’s model should change by either self-discovery (bringing into the hidden), others’ observation (into the blind spot), or together as a team (into the arena). In order to expand the open area and minimize the other sections, feedback and self-disclosure is important in a group or
During the 1950’s, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham developed a disclosure/feedback model of awareness. The Johari Window, named after its creators (Joe + Harry = JoHari), remains a contribution to the world of psychology and work environment today. The JoHari Window is essentially a window to one’s awareness of oneself. It can also serve as a useful tool in understanding how information is given and received in relationships. The model is divided into four distinct sections: (1) the open/free area, (2) the blind area, (3) the hidden area, and (4) the unknown. In developing a Johari Window, peers of the subject are asked to select five or six personality traits, from a set list, that they believe best describe the target individual, whom already selected traits about him/herself. After several peers have evaluated the person, the window begins to take form. (Gaw, 1976)
The open/free area contains information that is known about the individual, under mutual terms, between the public and the individual. The blind area represents information known by others but unknown by the individual. The third section, the hidden area, represents information about the individual which is avoided or hidden and not known by the public. The last section, the unknown area, contains information that is unknown by all and is yet to be created. (Gaw, 1976)
After reviewing this in class, and doing further research, it seems that the goal of the model is to simply help individuals have a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Individuals begin with larger hidden and unknown areas with blind spots slowly forming from first impressions. Over time, the individual’s model should change by either self-discovery (bringing into the hidden), others’ observation (into the blind spot), or together as a team (into the arena). In order to expand the open area and minimize the other sections, feedback and self-disclosure is important in a group or
References: Gaw, B. A. (September 01, 1976). The Johari window and a partnership: An approach to teaching interpersonal communication skills. Communication Education, 25, 3, 252-255.