The Johari model is my first choice. I choose to share this model since the better we know about us the easiest will be to develop ourselves and the relationship with others. This model also reveals what others perceive from us and how we are branding ourselves.
This model works as a mirror when performing an introspective look and as a window when we see what other people think of ourselves.
The Johari window is a model created by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955 as an experience based technique in order to discover ourselves. The exercise consists in a list of 56 adjectives provided to an individual who will only pick 5 to describe her/his own personality. Adjectives will be placed in the Johari window according to the individual´s personality. Peers are also provided with the same list and they will pick 5 adjectives to describe the individual. In order to place the adjectives, individuals and peers have to keep in mind the following:
Arena: This grid represents what everyone knows, therefore the individual and peers place the adjectives in this box.
Façade: This grid represent only what the individual knows about her/him self, therefore the individual will be the only one placing adjectives in this box.
Blind Spot: This grid represents information that the individual is unaware therefore the peers will be the only ones placing adjectives in this box.
Unknown: This grid represents the unknown by everyone; therefore all the adjectives remaining that were not selected will be placed in this box. Then, the individual will ask himself why does adjectives where not selected.
The Dream Johari Window
There can be also a ¨secret¨ window a.k.a the Dream Window. This window represents what the individual would choose to modify in her/his personality.
Put it in practice. Create your own Johari Window!
I would like to give a twist to this model.
In order not to structure your ideas, I strongly recommend you pick the adjectives that best describe you. Complete the grids with the information that reveals your personality (including the grid ¨don´t know that you don´t know¨). Make a guess if necessary!
After you are done, have some peers or someone who really knows you do it for you. Then share your grids and discuss the similarities, differences and adjectives that were not included in the unknown grid!
Note: If you find yourself blank, do not hesitate to use the adjectives provided by the Johari model.
Self experience
I have taught this exercise before and the best results came from individuals who were sincere, open minded, judgmental and embraced criticism.
Let me share with you a short true story I recall every time I talk about the Johari model. While working in a company, I remember explaining this model to one of my fellow employees who had to complete her annual performance review. We started talking about defining careers goals, her personal and professional objectives and workload. Suddenly, she found herself sharing deep emotions, frustrations and personal behaviors. The Johari windows allowed us to get so deep into her feelings that she finished the training with tears in her eyes but with a big smile brightening her face. What an emotional moment!
That same year, after completing her annual performance review, she was promoted to the position she has been striving for!
Reasons why this is not an easy exercise!
- Some people are not used to express emotions or prefer to hide them.
- In our current society being emotional is a symptom of weakness.
- We don’t save time enough to train our brain, spirit and soul.
Relevant authors and models:
Carl Jung
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi´s Flow Model
Five Factor Model
DISC Assessment
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Firo-B Model
Personal performance Model
Johari window adjectives
Quote of the day
¨Everyone is gifted – but some people never open their package¨.
Anonymous.
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