The Johari Window: A Trust- Building Tool

Trust is a crucial part for the success of any team. But trust building is not a cup of tea for everyone. This is what the Johari window does. It is a tool that has been developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955.

It was created to allow people to communicate and ultimately ‘open up’ and improve awareness of each other. If that happens it will lead to understanding of important things about person himself and other members of the team can result positively. This window works on a very fundamental theory that says “The more others understand you and the more we open up to each other, the more rapport, and trust is developed and relationships can strengthen.”  This window follows the principle that we build trust with others when we disclose information about ourselves. With the help of Johari Window, team members can be helped to understand the value of self-disclosure. Even they can be encouraged to give, and accept, constructive feedback too. It increases sense of organization and joviality amongst the group members. The Johari Window model is based on a four grid format. Each quadrant represents a current state of play. The Four Quadrants are as followings: Unknown Area; Hidden Area; Blind Area; and Open area. It follows down a two-way communication journey. This window can be used by: Explaining the Johari window to team; letting them think; increasing the sense of sharing; making team open up; encouraging them; and getting Constructive feedback.

By: Anita Aishvarya

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