The Johari Window model was developed by American psychologists Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in the 1950s. The model is a simple yet useful tool for illustrating and improving self-awareness and mutual understanding within a group. This tool can also be used to assess and improve a group's relationships.

Interestingly, Luft and Ingham came up with 'Johari' after combining their first names, Joe and Harry.

The Johari Window is widely used model for understanding and training self-awareness, personal development, improving communications, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, team development and inter-group relationships.

Hidden: Our hidden area that is unknown to others unless we disclose it. We keep this within ourselves, and we may retain it out of fear. The degree to which we share ourselves with others (disclosure) is the degree to which we allow to be known.

Blind: These are things about ourselves that we do not know, but that others are able to see notice; or things we imagine to be true of ourselves for a variety of reasons but that others do not see. When others say what they see (feedback), in a supportive, responsible way, and we are able to hear it; in that way we are able to test the reality of who we are and are able to grow.

Unknown: We are richer and complex than that which we and others know, but from time to time something happens - is felt, read, heard, dreamt - something from our unconscious is revealed. We then "know" what we have never "known" before.

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You can try doing up your Johari Window, or add your opinions to mine!


You can also see from my window that I think of myself as complex, observant, silly, sentimental and introverted.

But from others' point of view, I am actually extroverted, bold, confident and brave! This points would not be used to describe myself.

Let me tell you a little about my life story. I was an extremely nerdy looking kid in my Secondary school days. I could have teachers teaching me for a year and not notice me. I was bascially hidden. I was also bullied due to my appearance and my introverted personality.

Over a night, I transformed my outer appearance and most of my secondary school mates could not recognise me. Adding on, as I moved into Poly - Law and Management, I was trained to speak up, to present myself. I also worked part time in the F&B industry, and dealing with customers upped my self esteem.

The Blind Spot of the Johari Window shows how I present myself, and how others perceive of me.

I gave the link to several of my friends, from different stages of my life namely, Secondary school mates, Poly mates and recent University mates. It's really interesting to see how the opinion changed from phases of your life. Try it, it's really interesting to know what others think of you!