The Johari Window
CPD: Leadership for Teachers (by Sam Strickland), topic 3.1.2
The Johari Window
A useful model to analyse yourself against is the Johari Window. As with any self-assessment tool, you have to be fully honest with yourself. The window is divided into four sections.
1) The open or free area
- The open or free area outlines what information you know and what you want others to know.
- For example, you may share details about you, your vision, your approach here.
2) The blind area
- This area details what you do not know about yourself but what others know about you.
- This is where feedback from others comes into play.
3) The hidden area
- This is what you know about yourself that others do not know.
- Often sensitive information about yourself will reside in this area.
4) The unknown area
- This is what is unknown to both yourself and others.
- For example, feelings, behaviours or attitudes.
Mapping the Johari Window & Involving Others
The Johari Window is a useful model for self-evaluation. Below is what the Johari window looks like.
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Involving others in your self-analysis
- The Johari Window can be useful to get you to think carefully about yourself but it can also be useful to ask others, close to you and who know you well, to create a window for you.
Key principles for evaluation
- Important principles for self-evaluation are:
- Confidentiality.
- Trust.
- Respectful honesty.
Test yourself on The Johari Window
What does the blind area of the Johari Window detail?
What area of the Johari Window details what you know about yourself that others do not know?
Which area of the Johari Window should go in box 2?
Which area of the Johari Window should go in box 3?
Who would be a good person to ask to create a Johari Window for you?