I have written before (dot #1693) about the JoHari Window — four quadrants that help identify how you see yourself and how others see you. In addition to being a tool for self-awareness, the JoHari Window is an ideal way to frame feedback conversations.
Too often, we shy away from giving feedback and we’re not big fans of receiving it, either. But considered through the JoHari lens, feedback is almost the only way that we can move information from the “Blind” quadrant into the “Open” quadrant where we are able to act upon it. Just because no one has the courage to tell you that your speech was awful, that you are seen as aloof, or that you have spinach in your teeth doesn’t mean those things don’t exist. If they remain unsaid, you continue to be blind to them even though others are fully aware. The reverse is true, and if you’re not told that you’re smart, or that your report was well laid out, or that you have a great sense of style, you will remain oblivious to strengths you can build on.
The next time you find yourself in feedback situation — either as a giver or receiver — harken back to the brilliant work of Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham and remind yourself that the goal of most communication is to move from Blind to Open. Sharing feedback with others provides them with that true gift of knowledge.
