Interruptions during meetings, discomfort with feedback, wondering what your teammate really thinks about you…
All these subtle tensions often point to one question:
How well do we know ourselves—and how much of ourselves do we show to others?
To answer this question clearly, we have a simple yet powerful model: The Johari Window.
What Is the Johari Window?
The Johari Window is a self-awareness model that classifies what a person knows about themselves and what others perceive about them.
It’s made up of four quadrants:
Open Area
Known by you and known by others.
When you express yourself comfortably, remain open to feedback, and show consistency between your words and actions, this area expands.
In the workplace, a large open area means trust, transparency, and effective team communication.
Blind Area
Known by others but unknown to you.
Maybe you react strongly in conversations or tend to dominate discussions—but only realize this when someone points it out.
The only way to shrink this blind spot? Receive feedback and listen without becoming defensive.
Hidden Area
Known by you but unknown to others.
This is where you hold yourself back, avoid risks, or hide your vulnerabilities.
The larger this area becomes, the harder it is to build meaningful connections—because people can’t truly get to know you.
A healthy workplace culture helps you open up this area safely and gradually.
Unknown Area
Unknown to both you and others.
Your hidden potential, instinctive responses in crises, or repressed emotions live here.
Through coaching, mentoring, psychological support, or digital therapy tools, awareness of this area can grow over time.
Why Does This Matter in the Workplace?
Because without self-awareness:
- Feedback feels like a threat, not an opportunity.
- Misunderstandings escalate.
- Communication stays on the surface.
- Self-improvement slows down.
- Leadership potential remains hidden.
Self-awareness isn’t just about “being better at communication.” It’s about building healthier teams, enabling more adaptive leadership, and managing your career more consciously.
Your Self-Awareness Journey Just Got Digital: MindBuddy Is Here
MindBuddy was designed to help you explore the areas of your Johari Window that remain unseen—even by you.
If you’re looking to lighten your mental load, track your emotions, and recognize recurring thought patterns, even just a few minutes of daily reflection can make a difference.
With MindBuddy, you can gradually step into more openness—every single day.