Johari Window - technique for developing

interpersonal communication

Johari Window is
A technique used to identify

interpersonal communication style Used when communication is critical in determining the effectiveness of an organization

4 Areas of Johari Window

Receive Feedback

Known to Self

Not Known to Self

Disclosure of Self

Known to Others

Public Area

Blind Area

Not Known to Others

Closed Area

Unknown Area

Public/Open Area Includes behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that is known both to you and to others. For example, both you and your co-workers may be aware that you dont like to be near people who smoke cigarettes. Blind Area This area represents the aspects of self (behaviors, thoughts, and feelings) not know to oneself but readily apparent to others. For example, your colleagues might notice that you are embarrassed and awkward when meeting someone confined to wheelchair, but you are unaware of this fact.

Closed/Hidden area Area Behaviors, thoughts, and feelings known only to oneself and

not to others. We all have personal secrets about our likes, dislikes and personal experiences.
Unknown Area Behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are not known to you or

others. The main objective of the Johari's Window is to increase the size of the open area. This is partially accomplished by reducing the hidden area through disclosure-informing others of your beliefs, feelings, and experiences that may influence the work relationship. The open area also increases through feedback from others about your behaviors. This information helps you to reduce your blind area, because co-workers often see things in you that you do not see. Finally , the combination of disclosure and feedback occasionally produces revelations about information in the unknown area.

 Movement along the horizontal and

vertical dimensions enables individuals to change their interpersonal styles by increasing the amount of communication to the public area

Key Points:
In most cases, the aim in groups should be to develop the Open Area for every person. Working in this area with others usually allows for enhanced individual and team effectiveness and productivity. The Open Area is the space where good communications and cooperation occur, free from confusion, conflict and misunderstanding. Self-disclosure is the process by which people expand the Open Area vertically. Feedback is the process by which people expand this area horizontally. By encouraging healthy self-disclosure and sensitive feedback, you can build a stronger and more effective team.

Conclusion
As a person behaves less defensively and becomes more open, trusting, and risk taking, others will tend to react with increased openness and trust.