Ah, Social Networking. You have to love it. All of the “experts” that suddenly abound. Of course, we’ve been forming relationships for millennia. Yet, many people still struggle with fundamentals of initiating, and deepening relationships.
The Johari Window
Back in 1955, two psychologists, Joseph Lundt and Harry Ingham, used a model to describe individuals in the context of relationships. This provides 4 windows to our attributes, capabilities, behaviours. They named it after the 1st two initials of their first names. The JoHari window. (no, I don’t know about the “ri”)
Looking from the outside then, there are behaviours and qualities I know about myself, and others I don’t. Then there are behaviours and characteristics others know about me, and again some they don’t.
The important thing to note is that only by revealing the hidden areas, can you build relationships with people in any context.
So only by disclosing your facade, and learning about your Blind Spots, can others build trust in you. Only by giving feedback on other’s blind spots, and learning about their facades, can you build trust in them.
What about you?
- Do you feel you that Social Media helps or hinders in illuminating the hidden?
- Will knowing this model help you?
- Are you a transparent person (i.e. large Arena, small Facade) or a Private person?
- With everyone? Many? Some? A few?
- Are there advantages to being transparent?
- What are the disadvantages?
- As parents, spouses, managers, consultants, should we consciously think about our Johari Window?
I’d love to hear your thoughts – please comment on the blog.