4 Hidden Truths the Johari Window Reveals About Self-Awareness and Career Growth

A practical guide to applying the Johari Window model for personal and professional growth.

Lilian Wanyoike

Jul 15, 2025

Welcome back to another weekly edition of Career Diaries with Lilian Wanyoike.

This week, we're diving deeper into something that could completely transform how you see yourself...

And more importantly, how others see you.

We're talking about the Johari Window model and how it can unlock your hidden potential in ways you never imagined.

If you missed my earlier edition where I explored self-awareness as your competitive advantage, check it out here.

Ready to discover what you don't know about yourself?

Let's dive in!

My Aha moments with the Johari's framework

Picture this:

I'm sitting in a postgraduate classroom at IHRM, years ago. The lecturer walks in and drops what felt like a bombshell at the time...

"Today we're covering the Johari Window model."

My first thought? "What does this have to do with HR?"

I mean, I had some psychology background from my undergraduate studies in education. But I couldn't connect why we were learning about this model in a course about human resources.

I thought it was just for counselling sessions.

Boy, was I wrong.

Here's what I discovered over the years:

Psychology doesn't just intersect with HR... it's the foundation of everything we do. Motivation, behaviors, needs, leadership development – it all comes back to understanding how people tick.

The more I researched this model, the more I realized something profound:

The Johari Window has four quadrants:

Open Area (known to self and others)
Blind Spot (unknown to self, known to others)
Hidden Area (known to self, unknown to others)
Unknown Area (unknown to both self and others)

Think of it as a mirror and a window rolled into one — showing you how you present yourself to the world, what you might be missing, and what’s waiting to be discovered.

This simple model holds the key to better relationships, stronger leadership, and breakthrough career growth.

Using the Johari's model to uncover your hidden potential

Let me tell you the story behind this powerful framework:

Back in 1955, two American psychologists named Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham created something revolutionary. They combined their first names (Jo + Hari) to create what we now call the Johari Window.

Simple name, profound impact.

This tool consists of four quadrants that represent how you and others perceive your personality, behaviors, and traits. Think of them as "four rooms" in the house of your self-awareness.

But here's where it gets interesting:

Each quadrant holds a different key to unlocking your career potential.

How to apply each quadrant to improve self-awareness and navigate your career growth

1. Open Area (Known to Self and Others)

This is your "public face" – the traits, skills, and behaviors that both you and others can clearly see.

Your communication style? That's here. Your work habits? Also here. The way you handle stress? Definitely here.

Think of it as your professional reputation in action.

How to use it strategically:

Leverage your strengths like a pro: These visible competencies are your career currency. Use them when making strategic career moves or negotiating new roles.

Make feedback your best friend: Regular performance reviews, peer feedback, and mentoring conversations will expand this quadrant. The bigger it gets, the more confident you become.

Crystal-clear personal branding: Know exactly how you're perceived at work. Then make sure it aligns with how you want to be known.

Here's what I've noticed:

Professionals with large "Open" areas show up with unshakeable clarity and confidence. They don't hide their quirks or try to be someone they're not.

They show up authentically. And that's magnetic.

2. Blind Spot (Unknown to Self, Known to Others)

Now we're entering dangerous territory.

This is what everyone else sees... but you don't.

And here's the brutal truth: This is the box that can derail your career.

Maybe you interrupt people in meetings without realizing it. Perhaps you avoid difficult conversations more than you think. Or like me, you might be downplaying your achievements without even knowing it.

The only way to shrink your blind spot?

You have to ask for feedback. Yes, it's uncomfortable. Yes, it might sting a little.

But it's absolutely necessary for your growth.

Here's your action plan:

Actively seek constructive feedback: Find trusted colleagues or mentors who will tell you the truth, even when it's hard to hear.

Use 360-degree feedback tools: These give you anonymous insights from managers, peers, and direct reports. The patterns that emerge? Pure gold.

Watch for recurring themes: If multiple people mention the same behavior (like avoiding conflict or being too detail-oriented), pay attention. That's your blind spot talking.

Career impact: Reducing blind spots is like removing invisible barriers to your success. You'll build more trust, increase your emotional intelligence, and become a more effective leader.

3. Hidden Area (Façade) (Known to Self, Unknown to Others)

This is your private world – the ambitions, insecurities, fears, and challenges you know about but choose not to share.

Now, this area isn't always negative. But here's the thing:

If your hidden area is too large, you might come across as closed off or hard to read.

And in today's collaborative work environment? That can limit your opportunities.

How to manage this strategically:

Be transparent (but smart about it): Share your career goals, values, and aspirations with the right people at the right time. This can open doors you didn't even know existed.

Build authentic relationships: Strategic vulnerability fosters connection and trust. When you share something real about yourself, people connect with you on a deeper level.

Communicate your needs and boundaries: Expressing your working style or stress points prevents misunderstandings and improves collaboration.

Career impact: Managing this area well helps you align with roles and teams that actually fit your real strengths and motivations.

4. Unknown Area (Unknown to Self and Others)

This is the mystery box.

It contains untapped potential, hidden talents, and unconscious patterns that neither you nor others can see... yet.

This might include:

Strengths that only emerge under pressure
Deep-seated beliefs shaped by past experiences
Leadership abilities you haven't discovered
Creative talents waiting to be unleashed

Here's how to unlock this area:

Experiment and stretch yourself: Take on new projects, volunteer for challenging assignments, or step into leadership roles. These experiences reveal hidden strengths.

Invest in coaching or deep self-reflection: Professional coaching, journaling, or even therapy can help uncover patterns and limiting beliefs you never knew existed.

Ask deeper questions: What truly motivates you? What drains your energy? In what situations do you feel most alive and engaged?

Career impact: This area holds your greatest growth potential. Exploring it leads to breakthrough moments and career clarity that can change everything.

Summary

Let me break this down into actionable steps:

Open Area: Leverage your visible strengths and align with roles that fit your profile

Blind Spot: Actively invite feedback to reduce misunderstandings and accelerate growth

Hidden Area: Share your goals authentically and advocate for your needs

Unknown Area: Try new things, reflect deeply, and seek mentorship or coaching

Reflections: Simple ways to practice this model

Want to put this into action? Here's how:

Monthly feedback check-ins: Schedule regular conversations with a colleague or mentor. Make it a habit, not a one-time thing.

Keep a career journal: At the end of each week, ask yourself: What surprised me? What did I learn about myself?

Use assessment tools: Personality tests like MBTI or CliftonStrengths, or 360° assessments can expand your awareness in powerful ways.

Embrace stretch assignments: Keep a daily or weekly challenge that pushes you outside your comfort zone. This is where hidden potential lives.

Until next time, keep growing and stay curious about what you don't yet know about yourself.

The most successful people aren't those who know everything...

They're the ones who never stop learning about themselves.

Thanks for reading,

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