This is a group exercise designed to improve self-awareness and how

others see you

the Johari window is a simple exercise that requires a list of adjectives, a group of people who
know each other (like a founding team or work team) and some blank paper.

Supplies: Blank sheets of paper, pen

Participants: Founding Team or Work Team
Flip Charts ( 4) ‘Markers
INSTRUCTIONS
Everyone in the group starts with the adjective list and writes down the top adjectives they
think describes themselves. Sample of adjectives below:

1. Each person chooses adjectives for each other person in the group, writing the adjectives
on a separate piece of paper with the person’s name.
2. Each person collects the sheets of paper with his or her name on it.
 3. Each person then draws the Johari window (below) and writes the adjectives into the
corresponding box:
OPEN - includes attributes that showed up on your list and someone else’s list about you.
HIDDEN - includes attributes you ascribe to yourself, but that no one else did.
BLIND SPOT - includes attributes others ascribed to you, that you didn’t identify
UNKNOWN - any adjective that didn’t appear on any list.

Open Area Blind Spot

Known both by you and others Known by others, but not by
you

Hidden Area Closed Area

Known by you, but not by others Unknown by you or others

What do you notice about your Johari Window? Are there a lot of adjectives
in the “OPEN” box or a lot in the “BLIND SPOT” box? Write your answers
below.

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What surprises you about others’ answers about you? Write your answers
below.
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It’s a great idea to follow up with the group if you notice something
that really surprises you - so you can learn more about what they are
seeing in you that you don’t see.
Comparing boxes with other people on your team can also lead to
interesting conversations. (Spend 10 minutes conversing with your
team members about what they wrote about you)
How are you the same and how are you different?

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