“Oh would some Power the giftie give us

To see ourselves as others see us!

‘It would from many a blunder free us,

And foolish notion.”

~ Robert Burns

The lyrics of “Man in the Mirror” sung by Michael Jackson, written to examine how one can make a difference, but a closer look into the concept of self- awareness really starts with the age-old question, “Who am I?”

Johari’s Window is based on the principle that of all the things about us that exist can be found through positive and honest information. The theory consists of four windowpanes. This visual is monumental in grasping the true message of observation and trust, or does it?

Johari’s first pane, “the arena,” embraces the notion that if I tell you about me and you tell me about you, this shared information is the basis for all our mutual dealings with each other. This comfort zone provides effective communication, by trusting, understanding and confronting issues “the arena” is maximized. The larger the area, t

Who am I? Again, this question appearing as a neon sign, flashing as a cortex screensaver, happens only when I am challenged by theories that proclaim a process to find our inner self. This theory, after reading many articles, reminded me the times that I watched my mother, a CPA, randomly get up, walk away from her desk, do some insignificant task, then sit back down. We would ask every time what is wrong, and she would say every time it didn’t balance. How much we would ask, a penny she would say. I found myself getting up and sitting back down trying to find the missing piece in Johari’s Window. By trusting and communicating, the “arena” spreads, bringing a harmonious relationship with it. We snuff out the other panes so we can engage in positive teamwork, leadership, coping skills, new founded beginning and last but not least, the ultimate identity, a team player?

Organizational Behavior Resources, University of San Francisco, 2001,

Jarvis, Chris, The Johari Window, Brunel University, 1997, http://sol.brunel.ac.uk./~jarvis/bola/communications/johari.html

Hase, Stewart, The Johari Window and the Dark Side of Organizations, Southern Cross University, 1999, http://ultibase.rmit.edu.au/Articles/aug1999/hase1.htm

http://students.usm.maine.edu/rperil71/sahome.htm

Yen, Dien His, Johari Window, 1991, www.noogenesis.com/game_theory/johari/johari_window.html

Some topics in this essay:
Johari’s Window, Harry Ingham, Michael Jackson, Johari's Window, Robert Burns, Johari Window, Brunel University, Cross University, Communication Self, San Francisco, johari window, johari’s window, game playing, “the arena”, pane “the, walking talking, talking contradictions, walking talking contradictions,