Interpersonal Communication- A Mindful Approach to Relationships, 2020a

can see in Figure 7.3, the Johari
Window is represented by four
window panes. Two window
Known to Self
panes refer to ourselves, and
two refer to others. First, when
discussing ourselves, we have to
be aware that somethings about Open
ourselves are known to us, and
others are not. For example, we
Self
may be completely aware of the
fact that we are extraverted and
love talking to people (known
to self). However, we may not
be aware of how others tend to
view our extraversion as positive Hidden
or negative (unknown to self).
The second part of the window
Self
is what is known to others and
unknown to others. For example,
some common information
known to others includes your
height, weight, hair color, etc. At
the same time, there is a bunch
of information that people don’t
know about us: deepest desires, Figure 7.3 Johari Window
joys, goals in life, etc. Ultimately, the
Johari Window breaks this into four different quadrants (Figure 7.3).
Known to Others
Unknown to Others
Unknown to Self
Blind
Self
Unknown
Self
The first quadrant of the Johari Window is the open self, or when information is known to both
ourselves and others. Although some facets are automatically known, others become known as we
disclose more and more information about ourselves with others. As we get to know people and selfdisclose
and increasingly deeper levels, the open self quadrant grows. For the purposes of thinking about
discussions and self-disclosures, the open self is where the bulk of this work ultimately occurs.
Information in the open self can include your attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, emotions/feelings,
experiences, and values that are known to both the person and to others. For example, if you wear a
religious symbol around your neck (Christian Cross, Jewish Start of David, Islamic Crescent Moon and
Star, etc.), people will be able to ascertain certain facts about your religious beliefs immediately.
Hidden Self
The second quadrant is what is known to ourselves but is not known to others. All of us have personal
information we may not feel compelled to reveal to others. For example, if you’re a member of the
LGBTQIA+ community, you may not feel the need to come out during your first encounter with
someone new. It’s also possible that you’ll keep this information from your friends and family for a long
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Interpersonal Communication