Johari Window Model

Hidden, blind and unconscious elements in conflict communication

Information that is outside of awareness can often be troublesome in communication, especially in conflict communication. For example, our intentions or other information that we keep private or hidden (known to us but not known to others) may be a source of advantage if we choose to deal with conflict in the form of competitive negotiation, but this may undermine trust or negate advantage if exposed (see Johari Window Model below). Likewise, information that is known to others but to which we are blind, may result in loss of face, give us an unpleasant surprise, or even be to our advantage, if disclosed in the midst of conflict. Perhaps most troublesome of all is information which is unconscious (unknown to any of the participants) but which leaks into awareness through slips of the tongue, double messages or unintended nonverbal signals.

The point in interaction and process whereby what is outside of awareness, whether hidden, blind or unconscious begins to enter into consciousness the birth of awareness - is often the most disturbing but potentially the breakthrough point in resolving and transforming conflict. How we respond to this emergent awareness; whether we welcome it, deny it, defend ourselves against it or allow ourselves to be transformed by it, will significantly determine the outcome and consequences of the conflict. The impact on our emotions, our self-image and sense of self-worth can be major. There is often much at stake and much at risk when hidden, blind or unconscious information enters the public arena.

The transformative potential of expanding awareness is fundamental to all advanced methods of dealing with conflict. The purpose, manner, timing and language used to bring this information into awareness, as well as our response to it, can determine whether the experience will be constructive or destructive. It is important that we give adequate attention to this critical transition point and the process surrounding it by raising awareness of its importance and of what can be expected when we engage in drawing such information into a shared or public arena.

The process of bringing such information into the public arena (where it is known to self and others) can be illustrated through a model called the Johari Window. The model can be looked upon as a communication window through which you give and receive information about yourself and others and through which information unknown to any person emerges into individual or collective consciousness. The model illustrates the self-disclosure, feedback and attention and inquiry processes needed to draw information into the public arena where its meaning, purpose and significance can be understood and conflicting energies and restrictive positions, attitudes, beliefs, relationships, etc., transformed.

Johari Window Model

The information contained in these different areas of the consciousness field is not static but moves from one area to another as the level of mutual trust, self-disclosure, feedback and inquiry varies in the group. (Impasse or experience of being stuck is experienced when the information flow is blocked or ceases and pressure and defences build at the interfaces).

Self-disclosure brings information from the hidden to the public. While it may be challenging or exposing from a personal point of view it is within the control of the individual and is likely to build trust. Such revelation often carries with it the fear that it will be abused or that someone will take advantage of the increased vulnerability shown. We often need to protect and support the discloser.

Feedback moves information from the blind to the public arena. By definition it always comes as a surprise and can be highly challenging or even shocking for the receiver. It is difficult enough to listen to and assimilate when solicited, but is often unsolicited in the heat of conflict and given in an attacking manner which tends to trigger defensiveness. We can choose the content, timing, and manner of feedback to ensure it is constructive. Honest feedback builds trust and awareness, especially if the receiver is receptive and the giver benevolent in intent and manner.

For most of us this will entail developing self-awareness and learning the skills of self-disclosure and feedback needed to enlighten rather than inflame. We can all be resistant to information that challenges our self-concept and understanding of ourselves; especially if it is something we might feel ashamed or embarrassed by. We may need time and support to assimilate such information. Patience, courage, sensitivity, skill and understanding are required to bring such information into the public awareness in the heat of conflict and it would be foolhardy to do so without developing such capability.

This is especially true of the inquiry needed to bring information from the unconscious into the private or public arena. Some of this material may be so far below the surface that we may never become aware of it. Other material, while below the surface awareness of individual or group but can be made public by attending to and amplifying nonverbal or bodily signals, double messages, incongruities between intention and action, dreams, intuitions, and so on, so that they can be inquired into and understood and integrated. This area may represent such things as transference and projection of childhood experiences, disowned parts of our identity, latent potentialities and unrecognised resources, emergent inspiration or leadership.

The model identifies trust as an environmental condition for encouraging disclosure and feedback. It also implies that taking risks and engaging in disclosure and feedback build trust, and that increased disclosure and feedback will enhance interpersonal relationships. Providing such a framework during conflict helps illuminate what needs to happen to release the transformational power of awareness and provides a basis for contracting a process to enable it to take place. Clarity of expectation around the process helps contain the disturbance and volatility and address the needs of people exploring on the edges of their identities, awareness and comfort zones.