Enhancing Communication with the Johari Window

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and interpersonal understanding with the Johari Window, a simple yet profound tool for enhancing communication within teams and relationships. This psychological framework, developed by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, invites us to consider the known and the unknown in our interactions with others. As we peel back the layers of perception and awareness, the Johari Window reveals the four quadrants of our identity: the open self, the hidden self, the blind self, and the unknown self. Join us as we explore how this model can illuminate the pathways to greater self-awareness and mutual understanding, fostering an environment of trust and openness in both personal and professional spheres. 

The Johari window is a communication tool designed by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham in the 1950’s. The Johari window assists individuals gain self awareness into their own behaviors, beliefs and feelings and how others perceive these qualities. This four quadrant graphic matrix provides a framework for the dynamic processes of self-discovery and interpersonal communication.

History of the Johari Window

In the 1950’s, American psychologists Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham developed this four quadrant model to symbolize the dynamics of self awareness and communication in interpersonal relationships. They referred to the model as ‘Johari window.’ Johari is a construction of their first names ‘Joe’ and ‘Harry’ (Ravindran, 2007). They formally published their paper in the early 1960s.

Since the publication, instructors and therapists have used their model for understanding and training in “self-awareness, personal development, improving communications, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, team development and inter-group relationships” (Ravindran, 2007).

While Luft and Ingham largely created the diagram for teaching communication in groups, it also accurately portrays the complexities of communication in intimate relationships. Within the four sections, we see shades of psychological concepts of defense mechanisms, protective reactions to past trauma, and personality traits. I will make expand on these connections as we explore the different areas within the Johari Window graphic.

Four Quadrants of Johari Window

The model divides personal awareness of information (behaviors, traits, beliefs, histories, etc.…) into four quadrants—open, blind, hidden, and unknown. While this image of the Johari window presents the four areas as equal, the quadrants actually differ between relationships, context, and adapt overtime. The four quadrants interrelate. Accordingly, when one section expands, one or more of the others retract.

We don’t measure ourselves or others with the four quadrants like a personality type. Instead, the Johari window is a tool to better understand interpersonal communication for a particular group (or relationship). Our personal balance between the four quadrants may vary greatly depending on the group we are assessing.

Open Area

In the Johari window, the first quadrant represents the “Open” area. This is the part of ourselves that everyone knows, including ourselves. This open area serves as the foundation for healthy relationships and effective communication. This is not the same as the big five personality trait of openness, which refers to open to new experiences.

A large open area in a particular relationship means that the person and the other(s) in that particular group know a lot about each other. By the very nature of new relationships, the open area is very small. However, overtime the open area expands as familiarity grows, and partners or team members build trust.

Intimate relationships exemplify a large open area where each partner shares the intimate secrets and the other honors these tender revelations. Ravindran explains that the open or free area, “can be seen as the space where good communication and cooperation occur, free from distraction, mistrust, confusion, conflict, and misunderstanding” (Ravindran, 2007).

While openness is a quality of productive, healthy relationships, this does not imply we should be open in every relationship. Some unscrupulous others may misuse or take advantage of personal revelations. These relationships are not healthy and we should limit them.

Blind Area

In the second quadrant is the “Blind Spot” or “Façade” area. This represents aspects of ourselves that are visible to others but our hidden from our own awareness. We are afraid. Hidden information about ourselves is typically unpleasant. Perhaps, hidden information about ourselves, conveniently pushed into unconscious realms, may be unknown for a purpose. We deny, project, and repress thoughts that ignite fears and insecurity.

From a defense mechanisms standpoint, we most likely would wish these areas in our blind area were also hidden from others. The blessing of the blind area is that this information is available. By seeking feedback from others, we may reduce these blind spots, expanding an accurate self-perception.

People readily provide feedback if we receive it graciously. If we defensively react to these revelations, most people begin to filter their feedback, effectively leaving us blind to key aspects of our lives.

Hidden Area

We call the third quadrant the “Hidden” or “Avoidance” area of the Johari Window. The thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that we consciously keep to ourselves, choosing not to disclose them to others reside here. We may hide these self aspects for a variety of reasons. Ravindran explains that, “The hidden area could…include sensitivities, fears, hidden agendas, manipulative intentions” (Ravindran, 2007).

Much of the information here may rightfully belong in the private. Business meetings usually are not the place to air personal laundry. Our home life may remain private. However, this area id also littered with information that rightfully should be shared in appropriate relationships. Our fears of rejection often prevent adequate sharing. We hide large portions of ourselves, hoping people will embrace the shell of a person we choose to reveal.

When the hidden area is large in significant personal relationships, we can not enjoy true intimacy. Yet, if a partner has repeatedly used private and confidential exposures for their personal gain and manipulative games then keeping information private may be advisable. However, once we start withholding information from a lover for safety then, perhaps, we should take a long look at the reasons for staying in the relationship.

We intentionally hide some information about ourselves for strategic purposes, which sometimes may be manipulative or nefarious. Consequently, exposing our agenda may invite interference. The unscrupulous may create business’ deals with criminal or unfair future designs. Consequently, much evil is done by keeping others in the dark.

Personal explorations into our fears and protections can be challenging but these journeys lead to personal growth, enhancing our connections with others.

Unknown Area

Lastly, we have the fourth quadrant, known as the “Unknown” area. This represents the untapped potential, talents, and qualities within us that remain unexplored and undiscovered. It encompasses the mysteries of our own being, waiting to be unlocked and utilized. Exploring this unknown territory requires courage, expressing a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. The person with an opportunity mindset curiously seeks growth by tapping into this quadrant of unexplored wealth.

One reason we resist journeys into this area of personal information is not every discovery here is pleasant. Our unconscious mind masterfully ditches a lot of disquieting parts of our self from the conscious mind. Some is readily visible to others (information in the hidden area). However, some of the dirty little facts and imperfections about ourselves sneaks behind the closed screens, hidden from ourselves and others.

Alfred Adler wrote that, “Individuals are often unaware of their own life skills because they undervalue themselves, we will find also that many individuals are not sufficiently aware of their own shortcomings. They may consider themselves to be good people, whereas in reality they do everything out of selfishness” (Adler, 2009).

Just because information is unnoticed does not mean it does not have an impact. Much hidden information in the unknown area intrudes and influences our lives in many untold ways. Because the information is hidden, we struggle to improve in certain areas.

Many therapies target uncovering information concealed in the hidden and unknown panes that may be contributing to disrupting symptoms. Judith Sutherland, Ph.D., explains that the purpose “is to bring into conscious awareness the existence and impact of maladaptive behaviors, attitudes, and incongruities between attitudes and behaviors” (Sutherland, 1995).

Self-Disclosure and the Johari Window

The Johari Window is intimately connected to the concept of self-disclosure in relationships. It serves as a framework for understanding how individuals communicate and what they choose to reveal about themselves to others. An essential element of building trust is self-disclosure. We can’t keep significant portions of our inner life tucked away and protected while expecting intimacy to flourish. The blessings of closeness requires a couple to learn “constructive conflict and self-disclosure, versus conflict avoidance or escalation” (Gottman, 2011).

Here’s how the Johari Window relates to self-disclosure:

• Open Area: This quadrant represents information that is known both to the individual and to others. Self-disclosure begins here, as people share aspects of themselves that are visible and known to their social circle.
• Hidden Area: This area contains information that is known to the individual but not to others. Self-disclosure involves making conscious decisions to reveal these hidden aspects, thereby increasing the open area and fostering intimacy and trust in relationships.
• Blind Area: This quadrant includes information that others know about the individual, but the individual is unaware of. Feedback from others can reduce this area, as it involves disclosing to the individual what is seen by others but not recognized by themselves.
• Unknown Area: This area is unknown both to the individual and to others. Self-disclosure and feedback can also help uncover hidden talents, fears, or motivations, contributing to personal growth and deeper connections.

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By engaging in self-disclosure, individuals can expand their open area, leading to improved communication, increased self-awareness, and stronger relationships. The Johari Window highlights the importance of self-disclosure, feedback, and active listening in personal and professional relationships.

See Self-Disclosure Theory for more on this topic

Narrative Example of Johari Window in Action

Imagine two colleagues, Sarah and Tom, who work together in a marketing team. They’ve been assigned to collaborate on a high-stakes project, and their success hinges on effective communication and teamwork. Enter the Johari Window, a tool that can help them navigate the complexities of their working relationship.

Open Area: Sarah and Tom share a comfortable space where they openly discuss their work styles and preferences. This quadrant represents the part of themselves that both they and others can see. They know Sarah is creative and Tom is analytical, and they use these strengths to their advantage.

Hidden Area: However, Sarah has reservations about expressing her ambitious career goals, fearing it might seem competitive. This is her hidden area, known to herself but not to Tom. Tom, on the other hand, is hesitant to share his concern about work-life balance, keeping it concealed in his hidden area.

Blind Area: Unbeknownst to Sarah, her tendency to take charge can sometimes come off as overbearing to Tom. This is in her blind area—others can see it, but she’s unaware. Conversely, Tom’s cautious approach to risk-taking is seen as a lack of confidence by Sarah, which is in Tom’s blind area.

Unknown Area: There are aspects of both Sarah and Tom’s behaviors influenced by subconscious motives or forgotten experiences—traits neither of them nor their colleagues are aware of. This unknown area might contain untapped potential or hidden fears that could impact their collaboration.

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By engaging in feedback and self-disclosure, Sarah and Tom can expand their open area, leading to a more trusting and efficient partnership. As they learn more about each other and themselves, the window’s panes shift, reducing the hidden and blind areas and potentially uncovering some of the unknown, fostering a deeper understanding and a more harmonious work environment.

Associated Concepts

• Emotional Intelligence: This concept involves the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence is key to expanding the open area of the Johari Window through self-awareness and empathy.
• Self-Awareness: A fundamental aspect of the Johari Window, self-awareness is the understanding of one’s own personality, feelings, motives, and desires. It is crucial for interpreting and acting upon feedback received from others.
• Growth Mindset: Popularized by Carol Dweck, the growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This concept aligns with the Johari Window’s emphasis on personal development and the potential for expanding the open area through learning and feedback.
• Social Exchange Theory: According to this theory, individuals evaluate their relationships and interactions based on the perceived rewards and costs involved. The theory suggests that individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs in their interactions with others.
• Interpersonal Theory: This theory focuses on the interactions, relationships, and communication between individuals. It explores how people’s behaviors, thoughts, and emotions are influenced by their interactions with others, as well as how these interactions shape their self-concept and identity.
• Interpersonal Communication: The Johari Window is a tool for enhancing interpersonal communication by facilitating understanding and trust between individuals. It encourages open dialogue and feedback, which are essential for effective communication.
• Group Dynamics and Team Development: The model is used to improve group dynamics and team development by helping members understand their own and each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and working styles.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

In conclusion, the Johari window beautifully illustrates elements of self-awareness and active communication in groups and personal relationships. We can use the framework of the Johari window for self examination and assessment, encouraging personal and professional growth. M. Terese Verklan, Ph.D., wrote that discoveries in the unknown quadrant of “novel characteristics moves the information from the unknown to the open, hidden, or blind window, depending on how we each recognize the behavior” (2007).

Accordingly, through self examination, we may learn how to expand our open area, acknowledge blind spots, sharing hidden aspects, and embracing the unknown. These explorations into our interpersonal relationships and relating skills may deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, leading to more authentic and fulfilling relationships.

Last Update: July 2, 2025

References:

Adler, Alfred (2009). Understanding Human Nature: The Psychology of Personality. Oneworld Publications; 3rd edition.
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Gottman, John (2011). The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples. W. W. Norton & Company; Illustrated edition.
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Ravindran, P.T. (2007). Exploring the Conceptual Frame Work of Johari Window: Ingham and Luft’s Johari Window Model – for Self-awareness, Personal Development, Group Development and Understanding Relationships. Journal on Management, 1(3), 52-58.
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Sutherland, Judith (1995). The Johari Window A Strategy for Teaching Therapeutic Confrontation. Nurse Educator, 20(3), 22-24.
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Verklan, M. Terese (2007). Johari Window A Model for Communicating to Each Other. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 21(2), 173–174.
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