The Johari Window Model Exercise
One of the key skills which a positive mentoring relationship can develop is self-awareness.
This covers the ability to talk openly about your strengths and your key areas of development,
both of which are crucial in an interview setting.
The Johari Window Model was developed in 1955 by two men named Joe and Harry, and is
a simple tool which you can try with your mentor, friends, and family to test your selfawareness and uncover strengths that you might not even have known existed.
The exercise is designed to test your understanding of what your strengths and personality
traits are in comparison to other peoples’ perceptions of you. This can uncover blind spots to
increase your self-awareness.
The Window:
Open:
What I know and you know about me.
Blind Spot:
What you know about me but I don’t.
Action: Seek feedback.
Hidden:
Unknown:
What I know about me but you don’t.
Neither of you know.
Action: Share your strengths.
Action: Unpick why they don’t relate to you.
To identify what should go in each window pane, you will first need to pick from a list of
adjectives and tick the traits you believe you hold. Try to be as honest as possible!
Separately ask your mentor to pick from that same list and tick all the traits they think you
have. You might want to print out a couple of copies of this worksheet so that you can both
complete it simultaneously!
Use the list below to tick all your perceived traits:
Witty
Extroverted
Mature
Self-assertive
Accepting
Friendly
Self-conscious
Adaptable
Giving
Nervous
Sensible
Bold
Observant
Brave
Helpful
Organised
Shy
Calm
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Patient
Silly
Proud
Caring
Independent
Powerful
Smart
Spontaneous Clever
Intelligent
Quiet
Sympathetic
Tense
Confident
Kind
Trustworthy
Dependable
Warm
Modest
Energetic
Idealistic
Introverted
Logical
Cheerful
Reflective
Sentimental
Nice
Knowledgeable
Wise
Ingenious
Next, compare lists and fill in the window!
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Adjectives you both chose to describe you can be written in your ‘Open’ window.
These are traits that you both recognise and are easily identifiable to you.
Adjectives which you identified about yourself but your partner did not, can go within
your ‘Hidden’ window. These are things which may not be immediately obvious to
other people, but you know about yourself. If you are knowingly trying to hide these
traits, try to open up a conversation about why that might be – remember that all
personality types, introverts and extroverts, are valuable to an organisation! If they are
traits you’d like people to know about, you should aim to showcase these.
Adjectives which your partner identified but you did not go within the ‘Blind Spot’
window. These are traits that you may not know you have, so seeking feedback on
these is crucial for your self-awareness.
All other adjectives can be written in the ‘Unknown’ window. If these are traits you
seek, think about how the different ways you could develop them.
Uncovering your blind spots is crucial to uncovering hidden talents and areas where you could
be focusing your energy. Ideally, your ‘Open’ window should be as large as possible to reflect
your own self-awareness and how you showcase yourself to others. This can be done
through reflection, feedback and self-discovery.
Let us know how you found this exercise! If you have any further questions, get in touch by
emailing mentors@socialmobility.org.uk, or your local City inbox.
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