In this episode of So What: Social Work, our hosts lift the lid on the Johari Window – a model developed by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham (1955) to improve self-awareness, communication and interpersonal relationships.

Together, they explore the Johari Window’s four areas:

•⁠ ⁠Open Area – known to ourselves and others.

•⁠ ⁠Blind Area – recognised by others but not ourselves.

•⁠ ⁠Hidden Area – known to ourselves but not shared with others.

•⁠ ⁠Unknown Area – undiscovered strengths, qualities or experiences.

The hosts discuss how the model can support reflective practice, feedback, professional development and communication within social work. They also share their experiences of using the Johari Window with social work students and reflect on how it continues to shape their own practice. In fact, it was during a Johari Window session with students that someone first suggested the idea of starting this podcast!

Have you used the Johari Window in practice or learning? Has this episode inspired you to give it a try? We’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment, send us a message, or email sowhatsocialwork@gmail.com.

Content note: This episode has been marked as explicit due to occasional mild strong language during a light-hearted conversation. The explicit rating relates to isolated language only.

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Terms discussed

Johari Window

A self-awareness and communication model developed by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham (1955).

Vanguard Method

An organisational improvement approach developed by Professor John Seddon that focuses on designing services around what matters to the people using them.

Stretch Model (Stretch Zone Model)

A model describing the Comfort, Stretch (Learning) and Panic Zones to support learning and development.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to recognise, understand and manage emotions in ourselves and others, supporting effective communication and relationships.

Imposter Syndrome

Feelings of self-doubt or believing achievements are undeserved despite evidence of competence.

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References

•⁠ ⁠Luft, J. & Ingham, H. (1955). The Johari Window: A Graphic Model of Interpersonal Awareness.

•⁠ ⁠Vanguard Consulting. The Vanguard Method.

•⁠ ⁠Luckner, J.L. & Nadler, R.S. (1997). Processing the Experience: Strategies to Enhance and Generalize Learning.

•⁠ ⁠Social Care Wales. Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

•⁠ ⁠Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence.

•⁠ ⁠Clance, P.R. & Imes, S.A. (1978). The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women.