This is an image of a team looking at a Johari Window for a conversation

A Conversation Prompt for Australian Teams

Opening the Johari Window

Do you want a team that communicates openly, and spends less time second-guessing? This year, I’m helping managers and their cross-functional teams to Have the Conversation.

This blog details a Conversation Prompt for Managers using the Johari Window. Also available:

Teams today are fast-moving and cross-functional, so a manager’s ability to communicate means more than just delegating. One simple but powerful tool I use in leadership workshops to unlock this is The Johari Window—a deceptively simple model that helps teams grow self-awareness and trust. And it’s been around since 1955 – yes, it’s 70 years old and still surprisingly relevant!

The Johari Window maps out two perspectives:

  • What’s known to You (self), and
  • What’s known to Others.

Four quadrants, or panes, emerge:

  1. The Arena: You know. They know.
  2. The Blind Spot: They know. You don’t.
  3. The Façade: You know. They don’t.
  4. The Unknown: Both You and They don’t know.

Why does this matter?

Because great communication—and leadership—relies on managers growing The Arena to develop relationships with those they manage.

When we share more of The Façade, and are open to feedback about The Blind Spot discussed, we build trust. The Arena helps managers to balance ego and empathy—especially important in fast-changing and diverse teams.

How managers can use The Johari Window

The Johari Window uses self-awareness to helps to deepen team understanding and trust, fostering psychological safety improvements in the workplace.

This is an image of a woman and man looking through the Johari Window

Consider using the Johari Window as a lens with team members:

  • Develop The Arena – sharing your strengths and build connections.
  • Reduce The Blind Spot – asking others how you can improve – then acting on this feedback.
  • Minimise The Façade – opening up and letting others in on your challenges, ideas and plans.
  • Preparing for The Unknown together – as a space for progress.

Why the Johari Window Conversation Prompt works?

  • It sets the tone for mutual progress and growth, more than a performance review.
  • It’s non-defensive and vulnerable, which helps model psychological safety.
  • It shows others how to:
    • Expand The Arena,
    • Inviting feedback to reduce The Blind Spot,
    • Minimise The Façade by opening up,
    • Prepare for The Unknown together as a team.

This is an image of the Johari Window with graphics for a conversation prompt

In summary, the Johari Window is a great little model to prepare cross-functional teams to Have the Conversation.

Let me know how you go, building more connected and cohesive teams!

For More Information

At Edmonds Facilitation, we help managers and their cross-functional teams to simulate team collaboration. This helps teams to develop more effective solutions – created, understood and accepted by the whole team. Our workshops are practical, energising and designed for real-world results.

Bring your team together, unlock better performance, and create a culture where people thrive! To start your conversation today, email damien@edmondsfacilitation.com.au.