The Johari Window is a tool developed in 1955 by psychologists to help people understand their own and others’ behaviors and beliefs.¹ The model is based on the idea that traits, values, and motives are known or unknown by us and known or unknown by others around us. By exploring the Johari quadrants, people can develop greater self-awareness and stronger relationships with business colleagues or family members—plus, a better understanding of your own and others’ financial behaviors, biases, and goals.

The Quadrant:

Open
What is known to oneself and to others; the behaviors and qualities for which we are known (e.g. honesty or duplicity)

Blind
What is known to others but not to one’s self (e.g., the strengths or weaknesses, that we cannot “see”)

Mask
What is known to one’s self but not to others; traits and motives we choose to conceal.

Unknown/Unconscious
What is not known to one’s self or others; all that has not been considered yet has the potential to emerge.

The Johari Window’s usefulness to build leadership skills and collaborative teams in business is well known.² Shrinking the “Blind” quadrant can improve self-awareness, enabling improvement in varied facets of life. Equally, the model can create a dynamic of support and trust among family members—especially, about how money is to be saved, spent, invested, and bestowed. Finances are often a sensitive subject for those with sizeable assets—whether a tech mogul, pro athlete, or heir to a fortune.  Prickliness about transparency and the disclosure of information can arise during discussions about wealth transfer or between a couple with regard to a prenup or other arrangements to manage finances after marriage.

To make the best use of the Johari model, it will be helpful to seek out a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional along with an estate planning attorney with the skills to facilitate open communication about finances and assist in understanding the legal implications of a prenup or a trust, ensuring alignment with individual and joint financial goals.

Your choice of ethical professionals is invaluable to expand the “Open” quadrant and minimize the “Blind” quadrant by inviting thoughtful feedback on traits and insights of which participants are unaware.  In the same way, openly sharing financial anxieties and aspirations shrinks the “Hidden Area.” Finally, the group can embrace the “Unknown” by considering perspectives and possibilities not yet come to light. The involvement of a neutral third-party, allows you to achieve maximum benefit via this feedback/disclosure framework.

1. https://positivepsychology.com/johari-window/
2. https://www.leadingsapiens.com/johari-window-complete-guide-for-leaders/