Johari Window Template
Compare how you see yourself with how others see you. The Johari window helps individuals and teams build self-awareness and trust.
Free to start · Swiss-made · GDPR compliant
Working through the Johari window as a team
The Collaboard template shows the Johari window as a 2x2 grid, with known and not known to self across the top and known and not known to others down the side. Each quadrant has its own color of sticky note: green for the open area, red for the blind spot, olive for the hidden area and grey for the unknown.
Create a safe setting
Agree that feedback is voluntary, respectful and stays within the group.
Describe yourself
Each person writes traits they see in themselves on notes.
Get feedback
The others write down the traits they see in that person.
Sort the notes
Traits named by both go into the open area, traits only others named into the blind spot, and traits only you named into the hidden area.
Talk about it
Talk about the blind spot and the hidden area. Which feedback surprises you, and what would you like to share more openly?
Grow the open area
Agree on one thing to share more or to ask more feedback on, so the open area grows over time.
What is the Johari window?
The Johari window by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham compares how you see yourself with how others see you. Two questions create four areas: is a trait known to yourself, and is it known to others? Teams and coaches use it to build trust, give feedback and discover blind spots.
The four areas of the template
The examples follow one illustrative person: a team lead in a software company.
- Open area or arena Known to you and to others. Example: you're known as well organized.
- Blind spot Known to others, but not to you. Example: you often interrupt others in meetings without noticing.
- Hidden area or facade Known to you, but not to others. Example: you feel unsure when presenting to large groups.
- Unknown Known to neither. Example: a talent nobody has discovered yet.
If you want to turn an insight into a personal goal, the WOOP method helps you plan the next step.
Where the Johari window is used
- Team development Build trust and understanding in a team.
- Coaching Reflect on self-image and how others see you.
- Leadership development Help leaders discover their blind spots.
- New teams Help team members get to know each other better.
Keeping Johari feedback safe and balanced
- Make it voluntary Nobody should have to share more than they want to.
- Describe behavior, not character Often asks clarifying questions is more helpful feedback than curious.
- Balance the feedback Include strengths, not only things to improve.
- Repeat it The window changes over time. Doing it again after a few months shows how the team has grown.
Why Collaboard
A Swiss-made online whiteboard for teams that care where their data lives.
Your data stays in Europe
Choose hosting in Switzerland, Germany or the EU, fully GDPR compliant. Or run Collaboard on your own servers.
Invite anyone with a link
Guests join your board for free, right in the browser. Nothing to install, no extra licenses for participants.
Made in Switzerland, with real support
Collaboard is developed in Switzerland. When you need help, you talk to people who know the product.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Johari window template free?
Yes, the Johari window template is free to use with a Collaboard account. The free plan includes up to 3 boards and five people per session.
Who developed the Johari window?
The Johari window was developed by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham in 1955. The name combines their first names.
What is the blind spot in the Johari window?
In the Johari window, the blind spot is what others notice about you that you're not aware of yourself.
How do I use the Johari window in a team?
To use the Johari window in a team, participants choose adjectives for themselves and for each other, place them in the four areas and discuss the results.
Can I use the Johari window remotely?
Yes, the Johari window works remotely, because everyone works on the same board in Collaboard.
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