The Johari Window is a communication technique and theory, also known as the discovery and feedback model of self-awareness. Window theory compares interpersonal communication to a window and divides it into four areas— the open area, hidden area, blind area, and unknown area—based on two dimensions: what one knows and does not know about oneself, and what others know and do not know. Effective human communication is the integration of these four areas,
The open area is information that both you and others know, such as basic information like your name and gender, and part of your experiences. People with a large open area give the impression of being good at socializing; such people easily win trust. Others have a full understanding of their temperament and character, and they themselves are very clear about their own strengths, so collaboration with them feels very comfortable for everyone. To make your open area larger, you should express more of your interests, ask others more often for their views of you, and at the same time, more self-expression and inquiry themselves make it easier to win others' trust.
The blind area consists of blind spots that you don't know but others do, such as bad habits that unknowingly offend others, or what people say about you behind your back. A person with a huge blind area may seem carefree about details, rather headstrong and especially at ease, but this comes with many flaws and problems that others can see while he cannot or does not care about them. A large blind area results from talking more and asking less, not actively seeking or valuing feedback from others, which causes the people around him to become less and less willing to collaborate with him.
The hidden area consists of secrets that you know but others don't, such as childhood experiences, personal ideals, or your interests in certain things. If a person has a large hidden area, he asks a lot and talks little, rarely expressing himself proactively, so what kind of person he really is remains largely unknown. Although this protects his weaknesses very well, it also makes people wary of him, his trustworthiness is low, and people dare not easily collaborate with him.
The unknown area consists of information that neither you nor others know, such as sensitive nerves that flare up for no apparent reason, as well as talents yet to be unlocked and potential waiting to be activated. Each of us has these four areas within ourselves, but their sizes vary, and their size reveals different aspects of the self. When the unknown area is vast, much about the person is unknown both to them and to others. They rarely ask others what they think of them and don't actively reveal their true selves. Even if they have exceptional skills, they may not know it themselves. There are plenty of people like this in the workplace. They don't know whether they can handle a good job, and others don't know either. You don't dare to go for it, and they don't dare to offer you a good opportunity, so it slips away.
Each of us should try to shrink our unknown area, expand our open area, actively reduce our blind area, and open up our hidden area appropriately. By expressing ourselves more, we help others understand us. By asking others more questions, we come to understand ourselves better. In our everyday interactions or work collaborations, this helps others adjust the relationship and the roles between you to make them more comfortable. You can also find a position, personal image, identity, and role that suit you better, and become a better version of yourself.