The Johari Window  was developed by Joe Luft and Harry Ingram. This simple diagram is a great way to illustrate the knowledge we have of ourselves as well as other’s knowledge concerning us. We are all private about some things in our lives. We are also unaware of some values and beliefs that affect us. Sometimes others observe and learn things about us WE DON’T EVEN KNOW! A thorough understanding of ourselves will help us best use our own gifts and talents, learn to connect deeply with others, and keep us from potential “blind spots” (things that are true of us we don’t see or understand).
In the coming months I will be blogging off and on about EQ. I hope many of you will follow along with me. If you will learn the principles inherent in EQ and identify your strengths and weaknesses in EQ categories, you will be better equipped to fulfill your life ambitions. Knowledge of yourself is truly the first step!  I will also encourage you to bring close friends into the process of your self-discovery. Without the help of others, according to the Johari Window, you can only know about half of the information available. By asking others to also give you feedback on yourself, you could potentially learn another 25% of knowledge available about yourself (of course, knowledge of yourself does not fall neatly into 4 quadrants, but you understand the necessity of growing in your ability to learn more about yourself in each quadrant).
For a “teaser,” you can start with the attached exercise, in the link at the bottom. Look at the attached list of adjectives. Thoughtfully note each characteristic you think is true of you. Make a note on each of them. After you have finished, ask a close friend to look at the same list and do the same, noting which characteristics he/she thinks are true of YOU. Discuss this. Try not to be defensive, but open to constructive feedback that will help you discern whether you see yourself the way others see you. Perhaps, you have a blind spot, thinking you are one way when others think you are different. Why is this true? This kind of exercise will put you on a constructive path towards personal development.
Finally, I will state one of my greatest convictions concerning personal development. “OWN IT!” No one will care about developing you the way you need to care about it. Employers generally just want you good at what they are asking you to do, NOW. They aren’t concerned about your future. So, guess what? That means YOU need to be concerned about ALWAYS being on a path towards self-improvement (Ascending🙂 ). In the weeks and months ahead, I promise if you will read my blog and do the exercises, you will be well on your way. It is just one way. See you on the climb!

Johari Window Personal Exercise