Here’s some real “food for thought” today as I introduce you to one of my favourite Models.
Have a look at the visual below. This is the Johari Window Model, one of my favourites. It’s one that features in several upcoming training sessions I’m delivering for clients this month.
The Model is attributed to American psychologists Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham who (ingeniously) put their names together to come up with the Model’s name! Devised in the 1950s, the Model explains the various stages of awareness that exist when communication occurs.
When information is in the OPEN window (so it is known to yourself and known to others) there is a shared awareness and a transparency of “what’s what”. A mutual understanding of knowledge and an awareness of each other’s preferences, likes, values and what’s important to you will set the foundation for a deeper connection, relationship and rapport.
Ultimately then we should be striving to fill the OPEN window as much as we can so we can create these great relationships and, in doing so, build our knowledge base and awareness.
Information in the HIDDEN window is known to yourself but not known to others. Whilst there will be information that you don’t want to disclose to others (this is called “self-disclosure”), always consider whether communicating information to someone will better a situation or relationship. Of course some information you may want to keep HIDDEN because it will give you an advantage over your competitors…
Ask: What information would it be useful to commuicate to the other person(s)? Will this contribute to a better working relationship between us? Will sharing this information help me and/or the other person(s) achieve what we need and want to achieve?
Think about these #LunchNLearn messages…I have lots of beneficial knowledge that I know and which relates to the role of the PA and Administrative Professional. I want to share what I know with you by way of these emails every Monday lunchtime. I believe it will be beneficial to communicate what I know with you so I can help you excel in your roles. Every time you read and digest one of my #LunchNLearn messages you are building up the OPEN window with information that is now shared between us.
To get information into the OPEN window that is BLIND (so not known to yourself but known to others), become adept at asking great questions of others. What information would it be useful for you to know from the other person(s)? What is their expertise/knowledge and how can the things they know be useful to you? What specific questions will you ask to get more information? Ask for feedback from others and use this as a development opportunity.
Now let’s consider the UNKNOWN window (an intriguing window of the Model in my eyes!). An example here would be the recogition that often as a PA you’re the “go to” person in your organisation when someone wants info or gen – you’re “the fountain of all knowledge” so to speak. One of your team members may come to you with a question about something that you don’t fully know the answer to. A professional, credible response here would be something along the lines of
“That’s a great question! Honestly I don’t know the full answer to that. I will certainly find out for you and get back to you!”.
Once you’ve found the answer and shared it with your team member (contributing to your fantastic professional reputation of course!) that information is then going to go into the OPEN window for your both.
What do you think to this Model? How will you use it to build up your OPEN window, to create some fantastic relationships and increase your awareness and knowledge?
