I think I learned about Johari’s Window about twenty years ago. You’ve likely seen it too. It’s that graphic of what is known to you vs. what is known about you by others. If you haven’t seen it, or need a refresher, the graphic is below and I like this clear video explanation as well.
I remember doing an exercise then of what sorts of items fit into each category for me. Of course, the blind spot was empty. That’s the point after all.
Back then, there were some pretty big chunks living in each section and it’s taken lots of feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors, plenty of self-discovery work, and a firm commitment to living out loud to shift those lines.
Johari’s Window has been a constant for me since that time in the mid 90’s, professionally and personally, and has found it’s way into keynotes, coaching, and my own leadership practice many, many times since then. But I heard a term on the radio last week – “blinded by certainty” – that made me pull it up again. I’m not even sure what show I was listening to, but it struck me hard enough that I pulled over to write the phrase down. (Okay, I’m also a word snob who has been collecting quotes and powerful phrases since I was a kid, so this is not so unusual for me.)
Blinded By Certainty
According to Johari’s Window, a person’s blind spot is made up of those things known about them by others, but not by themselves. It includes how others perceive us, our subconscious patterns, the various interpretations of our tone and body language.
But, what about the things about which we are so completely convinced that we cannot be open to any other option? If a blind spot is something you cannot see, what do we call those things we see so clearly we cannot imagine a different perspective? I’m not talking about facts here. I’m talking about those beliefs and opinions that we treat as if they are facts.
I find myself looking in the mirror on this question quite a bit especially in these polarized times. When am I blinded by certainty – in my politics? my faith? my social justice views? my supervision and strategic planning? Football players kneeling anyone?
What does that mean for others in my life? Do they avoid certain conversations with me? “Know better” than to ask me certain questions? Skip past my social media posts?
How can I be more open to different opinions even when I feel confident in my own? How can I help others do the same?
And back to Johari’s Window I go. Check out the lines across the graphic. That’s where the real power lies. Feedback, shared discovery and self disclosure = honesty, vulnerability, and courage in relationship to others (hello, Brené Brown, I love you!). That blind spot only shrinks through authentic conversation with trusted friends. The hidden area only reveals itself through courageous willingness to live my own truth at all times. Only a willingness to reflect and look honestly into the mirror of my own actions and possibilities opens up the unknown.
I may be a word snob, but this is cool stuff. If you want to explore this same conversation in your setting, please reach out. I can’t wait to connect.