How Johari’s Window Can Transform Your Workplace

Have you ever wondered why some teams operate with seamless trust and openness, while others are riddled with misunderstandings, hidden tensions, or untapped potential?

One powerful tool that can help unlock this mystery — and transform workplace culture — is Johari’s Window.

What is Johari’s Window?

Developed by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham in 1955, Johari’s Window is a simple yet powerful framework for understanding self-awareness and interpersonal relationships.

It’s divided into four quadrants:

1. Open Area – What you know about yourself and others know too. (E.g. your role, skills you use daily)

2. Blind Spot – What others know about you but you’re unaware of. (E.g. habits, strengths, or impact you might not see)

3. Hidden Area – What you know about yourself but keep private. (E.g. personal ambitions, fears, hidden talents)

4. Unknown Area – What nobody knows yet — unexplored talents, undiscovered potential.

The goal? Expand the Open Area so communication, collaboration, and trust can flourish.

How Johari’s Window Transforms Culture

Johari’s Window isn’t just a psychology concept — it’s a roadmap for creating a culture where people feel safe, seen, and valued. Here’s how:

1.

Encouraging Openness

Being more open means sharing ideas, feelings, or feedback, even when it feels vulnerable. Leaders can set the tone by being transparent and authentic. Teams thrive when people say what’s on their minds rather than keeping thoughts locked away.

Tip: Start small — share your working style or how you prefer to receive feedback.

2.

Addressing Blind Spots Through Feedback

We all have behaviours or traits visible to others but hidden from ourselves. Constructive feedback helps us see these blind spots — both the habits that might hinder us and the strengths we underestimate.

Tip: Invite feedback regularly. Ask questions like, “What’s one thing I could do differently to support you better?”

3.

Exploring New Opportunities to Uncover Hidden Talents

People often underestimate their own abilities. Stretch projects, cross-team collaborations, or mentorship programmes can reveal talents you didn’t know you possessed — moving treasures from the “unknown” to the “open” window.

Tip: Volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone. You might discover new passions or hidden expertise.

4.

Sharing Your Hidden Self

Many employees have untapped skills, hobbies, or passions that could be valuable to their workplace — from creative talents to languages spoken or insights from previous careers. Sharing these can enrich team culture and spark innovation.

Tip: Create safe spaces (like team showcases or talent walls) where people can reveal hidden interests and skills.

Self and Social Awareness Are Critical

At the heart of Johari’s Window is awareness — of ourselves and of each other. A workplace where people understand themselves and each other deeply is one where trust grows, conflicts decrease, and collaboration becomes second nature.

How DAWWN Helps

Our DAWWN Programme (Daily Application of Workplace Wellbeing Now) integrates tools like Johari’s Window to help individuals and teams build self-awareness, foster openness, and create psychologically safe cultures.

It’s just one of the many ways our expert team champions change and helps improve workplace culture — ensuring that organisations don’t just talk about values like trust and transparency but live them every day.

Because in the end, the true power of any organisation lies in helping people step out of the shadows, discover their potential, and shine.