Back in 1955 a couple of men came up with a model to help people discuss various aspects of self-awareness. It’s called The Johari Window (the word ‘JoHari’ is a combination of the two people’s first names, Joseph & Harry). The four quadrants of the Johari Window clarify whether information about self is known or unknown to either self or others. The below chart shows each of these quadrants.

Open Self: Known to self and others.

This quadrant represents what people know about you AND what you know about you. It is common knowledge that is usually easily accessible. It might include information that people can learn from you (ex. your beliefs or views), information that others can observe (ex. your appearance, behaviors or skills) or information that is available to the public (ex. your birthday, family info, email address, etc.).

Blind Self: Unknown to self, but known to others.

This quadrant reveals what people know about you AND what you do NOT know about you. Another term often associated with this quadrant is ‘Blind Spots’. This is where our ignorance can truly hurt us. Others may see our weaknesses, flaws, even strength or gifts, but they either assume you already know about it or choose not to tell you. You are left in the dark and don’t even know it, a great definition of “ignorant.” For example, perhaps you tend to have strong B.O., often come across as angry, rarely smile, or can’t sing. On the positive side, perhaps there are strengths that you possess, but don’t realize it. For example, you may have a true gift of encouragement or hospitality. 

Hidden Self: Known to self, but unknown to others.

The “Hidden Self” quadrant represents what we know about ourselves, but conceal or hide from others. This could include practical information, like passwords or retirement funds. But most often it involves hidden feelings, sensitivities, fears, hidden agendas, etc. On occasion, we might know something about ourselves and THINK everyone else knows, when they really don’t. For example, you may believe your team knows you care about them and want them to succeed, but they may feel otherwise.

Unknown Self: Unknown to either self or others.

This final quadrant includes what is unknown to everyone, other than God Himself. These things may include feelings, attitudes, capabilities, beliefs, fears or aptitudes. Some of these things may be near the surface and readily accessible to you, if you were to delve into them. Others may remain hidden for the rest of your life. Some of the best ways to unveil information in this category is to expose yourself to counselling or coaching and remain steadfast as a learner, reading books, taking classes and continuing to expand who you are and what you know.
 

Addressing Blind Spots

One of the most important ingredients in the world of emotional intelligence is what is called ‘self-awareness’. It is when an individual is aware of who they are, how they think, process and behave and what impact they have on others. Growing leaders recognize that self-awareness leads to self-management, social awareness and eventually great relationships with others. But they also know that blind spots can become a huge barrier to success. Blind spots say, “we all get something about you that you don’t and you aren’t willing or interested in figuring it out yourself.”

It is folly to assume that we don’t have blind spots. Check out these Proverbs that remind us to remain humble:

• “He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.” ^28:26
• “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” ^19:20
• “rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.” ^19:25

What are you doing to shrink the “Blind Spot” quadrant in your life?

There is an age-old way for you to begin shrinking that window in your life; but it takes great courage to do it. Ask others to share what they know or think about you. Select several people who see you in different venues and who you trust to be open and honest with you. This shouldn’t necessarily just include people who like you. It should include anyone who might have insight into areas of your life that you don’t. 

HINT: if you are a leader, that will include everyone on your team.

You might think the courageous part is sitting them down to ask them self-disclosing questions, but the really brave moment is when they begin telling you what you don’t know. That is the moment of truth. It’s the moment when you choose your response. I have one word of advice: assume they are telling you the truth. To do otherwise is to be presumptuous – and is dishonoring to them. After all, how can you judge if they are right if it’s a blind spot? At the very least, admit that their commentary about you reflects a real perception (theirs), if not reality. 

A few questions to get you started:

• What do you view as my primary strengths?

• What do you consider to be my primary weaknesses?

• Do I seem approachable to you?

• Do you think others are afraid to confront me about anything?

• Is there anything you notice in my personal life/family that concerns you?

• Have you ever been aware of an ‘elephant in the room’ when I have been leading meetings or speaking? 

• On a scale of 1 – 10, how would you rate my effectiveness as a communicator?

• If I hired you as a personal life coach, what would you want us to work on first in my life?

• Is there something I think I’m good at that others probably wouldn’t necessarily agree with?

• Is there something I don’t think I’m good at that others probably would think I am?