Imagine walking into a conversation with someone and having no idea what they know or don’t know about the topic at hand. This is more common than you think, as we often make assumptions about our partners’ knowledge and understanding. The Johari Window Model, developed by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham in the mid-20th century, provides a useful tool to reflect on how others see the world and avoid miscommunication.
The model identifies four different starting points for someone’s existing knowledge: open self, blind self, hidden self, and unknown self. The open self represents public knowledge that everyone knows about us, such as our job titles or skills. The blind self is what others know about us but we don’t, like a coworker knowing our salary. The hidden self refers to information we share with others, but keep private ourselves, like personal habits. Finally, the unknown self is something we and others are unaware of.
Applying the Johari Window Model to our daily conversations can improve relationships and avoid miscommunication. Here are three practical ways to make use of this model:
Firstly, everyone needs an editor. This principle applies not just to authors but also to ourselves. We often spend too much time on a task or project that we miss obvious details. Having someone else review our work, whether it’s a colleague or manager, can help us catch mistakes and identify areas for improvement.
Secondly, framing the right questions is crucial in avoiding assumptions about what others know or understand. Open-ended questions like “What are your thoughts on the project goals?” or “Do you see any challenges we might have overlooked?” invite team members to share their insights and concerns. Managers should also create space for questions and feedback by leaving time for discussion and allowing others to contribute.
Lastly, being open and honest with each other is essential in successful conversations. Creating a trusting environment where people feel comfortable sharing information is key. This requires managers to listen generously, being present and aware of their own biases and assumptions. By doing so, they can establish a space where others feel safe revealing themselves and working together towards common goals.
By applying the Johari Window Model, we can become better communicators, avoid miscommunication, and build stronger relationships with our colleagues and partners.
Source: https://bigthink.com/business/use-the-johari-window-model-to-improve-your-conversations/