Understanding Johari Window and Self-Disclosure in Human Relations

This article explores the concept of the Johari window and its relevance in understanding oneself and building relationships. It discusses the four parts of the Johari window and how it can help individuals become more self-aware. The article also examines the challenges of self-disclosure and how the Johari window can be used to overcome conflicts in intimate and professional relationships.

Running head: HUMAN RELATION 1
Human Relation
Name
Institution

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Introduction
Johari window is a tool that enables individuals to become aware of their relationship with
themselves and their relationships with others (Davies, 2014). It is also used primarily in self-
help groups and in the work place as a heuristic exercise. It is subdivided into four parts that
makes it more practical and efficient as explained below.
The arena/ open space; this are characters of you that you know and are also known to others
The blind spot; these are characters that are unknown to yourself but known to others.
Façade/Hidden arena; these are the characters known to yourself unknown to others
The unknown; are unknown to you and unknown to others too.
Here is the Johari window that I obtained after discussing with my classmate.
Arena
Sentimental
Kind
Organized
Bold
Clever
Blind spot
Adaptable
Accepting
Patient
Façade
Kind
Sentimental
Clever
Unknown
Calm
Religious
Powerful

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Bold
How Johari is important to understanding one’s self
After the assessment process, I have come to realize that the Johari window is very
instrumental in as far as understanding of one’s self is concerned, through the Johari I have
known more about myself. It has enabled me to gain an understanding of how people perceive
me, it has also enabled me to realize the need of self-awareness in as far as understanding of my
relationship to myself and to others is concerned, it has also enabled me to develop my
metacognitive ability since I have come to realize that there is always the other side of me that
my counterparts are aware of and to me am not aware. It has also given me the clarity around
who I am and how I represent myself to the rest of the world.
Reasons why self-disclosure is challenging
Self-disclosure is a process of communication where one person reveals information about
themselves to another. These challenges often make people shy away from disclosing
information to others (Sciortino, 2013). It is challenging because you have little or no control
over what people say about you and therefore the information you disclose may be used to screen
you out by your counterparts. Since you may lack the time and capacity to respond and answer
questions that might have been asked by your counter parties, they may end up misunderstanding
what you said. There is also fear of negative reactions from your colleagues who might have
perceived you differently from whom you really are (Woods, 2012). Few of them may mistake
you to be dishonest or literally avoid your company in case you disclose negative information.
Since self-disclosure has both the positive and the negative side effects, an individual is then

HUMAN RELATION 4
supposed to understand him/herself in relations to their counterparties before opting for self-
disclosure.
How Johari might be used in overcoming conflicts in intimate relationships and professional
context
A Johari may help one overcome conflict since it adds upon the factors of agreement, due to
increased factors of agreement, expectations and knowledge increases hence increasing the
possibilities of an environment of general acceptance. This will also increase the levels of respect
among friends who share intimacy since they get to understand each other better, some conflicts
may also arise due to lack of awareness about the blind area, therefore, individuals are supposed
to consult their counter partners and obtain information about their blind areas, this will increase
the bond between friends (West & Turner, 2010).
It also encourages people to be open therefore a person will be able to build trust since many
people will never be ready to deal with people whom they do not know better. In such cases,
levels of distrust will increase in the work place (Derlaga & Berg, 2013). In the work context, the
Johari window will help people to improve self-esteem and increase acceptance to counterparts.
References

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West, R., & Turner, L. H. (2010). Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making
Choices in Changing Times Enhanced Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Davies, S. (2014). Johari's Window. SilverWood Books.
Sciortino, J. M. (2013). Self-Reflection. Trafford Publishing.
Wood, J. (2012). Transformation through Journal Writing: The Art of Self-Reflection for the
Helping Professions. London, England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Derlaga, V. J., & Berg, J. H. (2013). Self-Disclosure: Theory, Research, and Therapy. Berlin ,
Germany: Springer Science & Business Media