The Johari Window

This week I am revisiting something that can help you be a good leader, or. A good firefighter.

OK so before you think I have snapped and wonder what the hell I am talking about let me at least get the explanation out before you stop reading!

Many years ago in a book called Managing People (now out of print I believe) , there was a small segment about this and my reference for this week is that and my own twisted opinions.

The simple premise is that everyone's personality has two facets to it. The things you know about yourself and the things that everyone knows about you. Think about that for a minute and re-read it so you see where we are going.

The book then breaks it down a little further and says that the things that you know about yourself and the things others know about you that are common are called the Arena. This is your open personality. These are the features of your personality that you and all others that contact you agree upon.

There are then those things that we know about ourselves that are unknown to others. This area is appropriately called the Facade. Think of this as a house where the blinds are drawn. People know something is going on within you but not exactly what.

The third area deserves some focus and that is what I wished to point out this week, The third area is a blind spot. This is a part of us that others know about us but we have little or no idea of it. You might think you are an excellent communicator, well liked and respected. Others find you pushy, you talk too much and can't be trusted.

The blind spot is an area that you have to try to reflect on more and more so that you will interact better with others.

The last segment is the Unknown. This is an area that you don't know about yourself and others do not know about you. This is a situation when you try a new task or work under severe pressure for the first time, people don't know how you will react or handle anything nor do you for that matter.

The real principle is actually much more simple. The more genuine you are and the more people you allow into your Arena, the more you will be more accepted by others.

Take a look inside yourself this week and try to think how you are perceived by others.

Take a look at the textbook Managing People if you have it. Re-read it if it has been awhile. There is nothing more important than the people who you surround yourself with.

It will do some good!


Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013