Did you know about the Johari window? It’s a multimedia platform called “SeigisoKen” that helps solve management issues. The Johari window is a self-analysis tool that can be actively used in business settings, for talent development, training, and management. It consists of four areas: open window, blind spot, hidden window, and unknown window. Implementing the Johari window involves gathering a group of people, identifying personality traits, categorizing them into the four windows, and sharing feedback. It can be used in coaching, corporate training, and talent development to enhance self-understanding and improve communication and relationships.
Have you heard of the Johari Window? A multimedia platform to solve management issues “Seikei Soken”
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The “Johari Window” is one of the self-analysis tools that can be actively utilized in business settings. It can also be applied to talent development, corporate training, and management, so knowing about it can be beneficial.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the Johari Window for business owners and human resources professionals.
What is the Johari Window? [Subjective and Objective Self-Analysis Tool]
The Johari Window is a self-analysis tool for exploring communication.
First presented at the “Group Dynamics Workshop” in 1955 as the “Graphic Model of Consciousness in Interpersonal Relationships,” it became known as the “Johari Window.”
The name “Johari” is a combination of the names of the proposers Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham, with no special meaning.
Explaining the Four Windows of the Johari Window
The Johari Window is a matrix formed by the self-awareness (subjective) and awareness by others (objective).
The Johari Window describes four areas of the self.
– Opening the window (opening it yourself)
– I am blind
– Secret window (hidden self)
– Unknown window (unknown self)
Let’s take a closer look at each area.
(1): Opening the Window (Automatically Opens)
The open window refers to the “open self,” which is what both yourself and others know. This is a state where the perceptions of “how others see you” and “what kind of personality you have” align. If the window is wide open, you and the other person share the same perception, allowing for smooth communication. In the Johari Window, it is also mentioned that “it is better to widen the open window to facilitate communication and build trust.”
(2): I Am Blind
The blind spot window refers to the self that others notice but you are unaware of or you are unaware of but others notice. Common examples include “unexpected traits” or “unexpected strengths.” It can be something like, “I thought I was clumsy, but others thought I was meticulous.” Sometimes, unaware negative qualities can inadvertently hurt others, so it is advisable to ask others about yourself to minimize blind spots.
(3): Hiding
The secret window refers to the “hidden self,” where only you know something that others don’t. “Trauma” or “complex” may fall into the category of the secret window. Having many secret windows means that many things are hidden, making it difficult to gain the trust of others and smooth communication. To facilitate communication, it is recommended to reveal your secrets and minimize the secret-keeping period.
(4): Unknown Window (Unknown Self)
The unknown window refers to the “self that no one knows,” indicating aspects of yourself that neither you nor others know. In the Johari Window, the unknown window is seen as hidden talents or abilities, interpreted positively as an area that offers opportunities for growth. To fully realize our hidden capabilities (unknown window), it seems necessary to further expand that window. To maximize your potential, you first need to deeply understand yourself.
Steps for Implementing the Johari Window
The steps to implement the Johari Window are as follows:
1. Gather several people.
2. Identify your personality and characteristics.
3. Identify the personality and characteristics of others.
4. Classify into the four windows.
5. Express your opinions.
Let’s take a closer look at each step.
(1): Gather Several People
Since the Johari Window requires the opinions of others, it is necessary to gather multiple people first. However, due to the nature of the Johari Window, it is not meaningful to do it with strangers. Gather members who can understand each other. While it can be done with at least two people, it is recommended to do it with four or more to gain more perspectives.
(2): Understand Your Personality and Characteristics
Once you have gathered a few members, you need to understand their personalities and characteristics first.
Keep in mind that there are two main types of feedback methods:
– Freely write on paper with a pen.
– Select relevant items from a list of skills and general personality traits.
The method you choose, whether “free description” or “select related elements,” will change the content you write. Since the Johari Window progresses through group work, it is essential to focus on selecting “related elements” as much as possible and include “free description” as an option. This will lead to unified answers and make it easier to understand where there is consensus and disagreement.
(3): Understand the Personality and Characteristics of Others
Once you have identified your own personality and characteristics, the next step is to identify the personality and characteristics of other members. At this stage, there is no need to input names. Furthermore, when describing the personality and characteristics of others, it is best to use positive words as much as possible. For example, if describing someone as “easily bored,” you could also describe them as “fickle” or “curious.” Avoid using negative words too much, as it can create tension in group work.
(4): Classify into the Four Windows
Once everyone has identified the personalities and characteristics of each member, they should classify them into the four windows. These are the “open window,” “blind spot window,” “secret window,” and “unknown window,” as introduced earlier. For example, if the persona you wrote about yourself has never been written by others, it falls into the “secret window.”
Moreover, it is best to proceed with this task privately and calmly. Do not share the results publicly, as it’s better to face the feedback and advance the work
(5): Provide Feedback
After classifying the personalities and characteristics into the four windows, share the results with everyone. By providing feedback to each other, you deepen your understanding, such as “Why did you express this personality?” or “What actions made you think that.” It could also be useful to ask about personality or characteristics corresponding to the “blind spot window” to deepen self-understanding.
Three Ways to Use the Johari Window
There are three ways to use the Johari Window:
– Coaching
– Corporate Training
– Talent Development
Let’s explain each in detail.
Usage 1: Coaching
The first way to utilize the Johari Window is through coaching.
Coaching, where the boss communicates individually with subordinates, is most effective when both parties know each other deeply. Therefore, the compatibility with the Johari Window, which deepens mutual understanding, is excellent. Another advantage from the perspective of the supervisor is the ability to conduct specific training using the approach of expanding the “open window” of the Johari Window. Incorporating the Johari Window before conducting coaching can be beneficial.
Usage 2: Corporate Training
The main reason the Johari Window is used in corporate training is to deepen self-understanding. It is more effective to engage in training after understanding your strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, it allows the company to grasp the individuality and characteristics of each employee, which is crucial for the progress of training.
Usage 3: Talent Development
The Johari Window can also be used for talent development.
As mentioned earlier, the Johari Window is a self-analysis tool. By analyzing the current situation using the Johari Window before proceeding with talent development, you can confirm where you stand. Furthermore, using the Johari Window can help open up the “possibilities” known as the “unknown window.”
Three Tips to Maximize the Use of the Johari Window
Here are three tips to effectively use the Johari Window:
– Be mindful of giving positive feedback
– Avoid taking the results too seriously
– Prioritize “self-understanding”
Let’s explain each in detail.
Tip 1: Be Mindful of Giving Positive Feedback
When introducing the Johari Window, be sure to give positive feedback.
The Johari Window is a delicate self-analysis tool that involves multiple people and delves into personal aspects. Providing negative feedback during this process can potentially deteriorate relationships. It is best to use positive words when describing the personalities and characteristics of others.
Tip 2: Avoid Taking the Results too Seriously
If you participate in the Johari Window, it is advisable not to take the results too seriously.
Although the Johari Window has been explained up to this point, ultimately, the Johari Window is just one of the self-analysis tools. This means that the results of the Johari Window are not everything. Furthermore, since the results are based on the “opinions of the members,” they will naturally vary greatly among the members. Use the results obtained with the Johari Window as a reference only.
Tip 3: Prioritize “self-understanding”
When practicing the Johari Window, keep in mind that it is primarily a “tool for self-understanding.”
There are characteristics beyond the various elements of the Johari Window, so aiming for more than that is not advisable. This is because the results obtained with the Johari Window are highly qualitative. By focusing on self-understanding over the elements of the Johari Window, you can derive more benefits from the practice.
Conclusion
Let’s summarize this article.
– The Johari Window is a self-analysis tool that combines subjectivity and objectivity.
– After self-analysis with the Johari Window, it is advisable to expand the open window.
– As the Johari Window is a delicate self-analysis tool, it is recommended not to write negative reviews. The Johari Window is an excellent tool for self-analysis. When used in a group setting, it significantly deepens self-understanding. It is also recommended for use in corporate training and coaching.
[The person who wrote this article]
Shikigaku Research Institute/Shikigaku Co., Ltd. “Bringing management closer. Creating articles useful for management tasks. The “Sengekku Method,” adopted by over 3,000 companies, is also publicly available.
[Source: Shikigaku Research Institute] https://souken.shikiraku.jp/
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