What are some best practices for using the Johari window model to enhance team communication and trust?

1 Choose a safe and supportive environment

Before you start using the Johari window model, make sure that you and your team members feel comfortable and respected in the setting. Choose a time and place that is convenient, private, and free of distractions. Establish some ground rules and expectations for the feedback process, such as being honest, constructive, and respectful. You can also use some icebreakers or warm-ups to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere.

2 Start with self-disclosure

One of the easiest ways to use the Johari window model is to start with self-disclosure, which means revealing something about yourself that is not known to others. This can help you increase your open area and reduce your hidden area. You can use prompts or questions to guide your self-disclosure, such as your strengths, weaknesses, goals, values, or preferences. You can also use a scale or a rating system to indicate how comfortable you are with sharing certain information. Be mindful of the level of intimacy and relevance of your self-disclosure, and avoid oversharing or under-sharing.

3 Ask for and offer feedback

Another way to use the Johari window model is to ask for and offer feedback, which means giving and receiving information that can help you and your team members learn more about yourselves and each other. This can help you increase your open area and reduce your blind area. You can use tools or methods to facilitate feedback, such as surveys, polls, quizzes, or games. You can also use specific and descriptive language to express your feedback, such as examples, observations, or suggestions. Be open-minded and curious when asking for and offering feedback, and avoid being defensive or judgmental.

4 Explore the unknown together

The last way to use the Johari window model is to explore the unknown together, which means discovering new aspects of yourself and your team members that are not known to anyone. This can help you increase your open area and reduce your unknown area. You can use activities or challenges to stimulate your exploration, such as brainstorming, problem-solving, or role-playing. You can also use questions or prompts to encourage your exploration, such as what if, how about, or why not. Be creative and adventurous when exploring the unknown together, and avoid being afraid or bored.

5 Review and reflect

After you use the Johari window model, it is important to review and reflect on your experience and outcomes. You can use tools or methods to document your review and reflection, such as journals, diagrams, or charts. You can also use questions or prompts to guide your review and reflection, such as what did you learn, how did you feel, or what will you do differently. Be honest and constructive when reviewing and reflecting, and avoid being complacent or critical.

6 Repeat and revise

The Johari window model is not a one-time exercise, but a continuous process of learning and growth. You can repeat and revise the model as often as you and your team members need or want. You can use tools or methods to measure your progress and improvement, such as feedback loops, benchmarks, or indicators. You can also use feedback and information to adjust your goals and actions, such as setting new targets, changing strategies, or trying new approaches. Be flexible and adaptive when repeating and revising, and avoid being rigid or stagnant.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?