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What is the Johari Window?
The Johari Window is a self-awareness model created in 1955 by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham; its name combines both authors’ first names. It represents what is known about a person as a four-pane window, based on two questions: does the person know it about themselves? Do others know it?
The classic exercise is simple: the person chooses from a list the adjectives that describe them, and other people choose from the same list the ones they see in that person. Depending on where they overlap, each word lands in a different pane.
The four areas of the window
Open area
What the person knows about themselves and others also see. The larger it is, the smoother communication and trust tend to be.
Blind area
What others see and the person does not. This is where feedback adds the most value, because it shows something that cannot be seen from the inside.
Hidden area
What the person knows about themselves but does not show. Sharing part of this area, when it is safe to do so, brings others closer.
Unknown area
What nobody knows yet. It may hold abilities or traits that emerge through new experiences.
What it is used for in coaching
- Self-awareness. It contrasts the self-image with how others see the person.
- Uncovering blind spots. It gives a simple language for talking about what the client does not see.
- Building trust. It shows that opening up and asking for feedback enlarges the open area.
- Teams. It is a widely used exercise for helping team members get to know each other better.
How to do the exercise, step by step
- Choose your adjectives. Between 5 and 8 from a shared list.
- Ask others to choose. From the same list, the ones they see in you, without seeing your choices.
- Build the window. Overlaps go to the open area; others-only to the blind area; yours-only to the hidden area.
- Look at the proportions. Which area is largest? What surprises you?
- Talk about the blind area. What others see, and why.
- Choose an action. Ask for feedback or share something from the hidden area with a specific person.
How to widen the open area
- Asking for feedback shrinks the blind area: others tell you what they see.
- Opening up shrinks the hidden area: you share what you know about yourself.
- Trying new things lights up the unknown area: traits you did not know you had come to the surface.
Powerful questions for the conversation
- Which word in the blind area surprises you most?
- Why do you think others see you that way?
- What from your hidden area would you like to show more?
- What stops you from sharing it today?
- Who would you ask for feedback this week?
Common mistakes
- Arguing with what others chose. It is their perception; the value lies in understanding it.
- Showing your own choices before others choose. It biases their answers.
- Trying to eliminate the hidden area. Everyone has things they choose not to share, and that is fine.
- Stopping at the drawing. The window is the starting point for a concrete action.
Frequently asked questions
Who created the Johari Window?
Psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, in 1955. The name combines their first names.
How many adjectives should you choose?
Usually between 5 and 8. Fewer gives little information; more dilutes the overlaps.
How many people should take part?
It can be done with just one other person, but it is common to invite several, for example 3 to 5, for a fuller picture.
Does it work for teams?
Yes. It is a widely used exercise for improving trust and communication within a team.
Can I use it in online sessions?
Yes. Share it on screen and mark the words together as you talk.