the johari window

Almost anyone who has been on a Leadership Course will have come across the Johari Window. It's a simple graphic to get us to reflect on 'who we are' in the world, both consciously and unconsciously. It's a tool most commonly used individually, but there's no reason why it's use can't be scaled up for teams, organisations, even people's and nations.

However, to gain the full insight of each dimension requires an invitation to others to shine a light on that which we perhaps may not see. That may require courage, to see, hear and feel.

Johari Window (1955): From unconscious to conscious - A journey of discovery

1) OPEN: These are parts of ourselves we know and are familiar with, happy to acknowledge and share with others. "I'm hardworking." "I'm friendly." It doesn't have to mean only our 'good' traits but we are happy to own these parts. "Sure, I cry like a baby at sad movies"

2) HIDDEN: However we have parts that make us feel vulnerable, which we'd rather not show the world. We're not sure if we'll be thought 'okay' and so we mask these parts, creating a façade or as Winnicott called it, a 'false self' (1960). We protect ourselves from possible judgement, hurt or rejection. Being in relationship with a compassionate curious other may enable us to feel safe enough to reveal these aspects of ourselves, increasing connection and opening us up to the possibility of braving self-disclosure.

3) BLIND SPOT: We have patterns, aspects of ourselves that are automated, below our consciousness, that we aren't aware of. There's nothing like an argument for those around us to point out faults we weren't aware existed. Perhaps when we are in a positive emotional state, we could have the courage to ask those with a positive regard for us, what behaviours, thoughts or emotions they see in certain situations. Perhaps you overshare when under stress, get angry when people are needy, or project traits on to others . Being curious and compassionate towards ourselves while asking our circle of trust for insight into ourselves may help us recognise and accept the unacknowledged within.

4) UNKNOWN: We all have exiled parts of ourselves, hidden from both ourselves and others. They are our shadowed, repressed parts, the wounded inner child who carry our deepest fears, that which can't be owned. However they can be triggered and overwhelm us, often communicating through our body. Deep titrated work, using a permission-based hierarchy of access, may reveal hidden fantasies, strengths or intergenerational legacies waiting to be released, reconfigured and reconsolidated.

"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." (Jung, 1953).

Through compassionate self-exploration, those parts of ourselves which has been previously hidden, blind, or unknown may become safe enough to be witnessed, accepted, and integrated, bringing greater harmony and authenticity to your life.