Purpose
“This exercise helps you understand what you know about yourself, what others see, what you keep private, and what’s still unexplored.”
Step 1: Draw the Johari Window
Draw a square and divide it into 4 boxes:
Label them clearly:
- Open
- Blind Spot
- Hidden
- Unknown
Step 2: Fill in the Open Area
Prompt:
“What do you and others both know about you?”
Examples:
- Personality traits (friendly, analytical)
- Skills (good listener, organized)
- Habits others comment on
- Values you openly express
Step 3: Explore the Hidden Area
“What do you know about yourself that you don’t usually share?”
Examples:
- Fears or insecurities
- Private goals or dreams
- Feelings you hide
- Past experiences that shaped you
(only share what feels safe)
Step 4: Identify Blind Spots
Option A – Reflection Only
- “What feedback have you received but struggled to accept?”
- “What patterns keep repeating in relationships or work?”
Option B – Feedback-Based (Best Practice)
- Give the client a short list of traits (or let them choose).
- Ask 2–5 trusted people to select traits that describe them.
- Compare:
- Traits others picked that YOU didn’t → Blind Spot
Step 5: Acknowledge the Unknown Area
“What parts of you might still be undiscovered?”
Examples:
- Untested strengths
- Reactions under pressure
- New interests or abilities
- Who they could become in new environments
This box can include questions, not answers—and that’s okay.
Step 6: Reflection Questions
IF YOU CAN- answer 2–4 of these:
- What surprised you most?
- Which area would you like to expand?
- What’s one small action to:
- Increase your Open Area?
- Reduce a Blind Spot?
Reflection:
- One insight I gained: __________________
- One action I’ll take: ___________________
