In science the objective verification process has been the most revolutionary force in human history. In the context of interpersonal dynamics, the corresponding process is intersubjective verification. Utilizing an intersubjective process to understand ourselves and each other can also produce revolutionary results.
One approach is embodied in a tool known as the Johari Window (named for its two inventors, psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham). Through a process of sharing, hidden information gets moved into an open arena where it is available everyone. As in the scientific method, information that is openly available results in deeper insight and a more accurate understanding.
One version of the Johari Window involves a large white board divided into four windows, or boxes, gradually filled with information about the participant who is the subject of the exercise.
Box 1 titled Arena contains information that is known to the group and to the individual who is the subject. Box 2 called Blind is filled with information that is known to the group about the subject, but not known to the subject. Box 3 titled Facade contains information that is known to the subject about themselves, but unknown to the group. Box 4 called Unknown contains information about the subject that is yet to be discovered by the group and by the subject.
Once any information is entered into boxes 2, 3, or 4 it automatically is moved into Box 1 because by sharing the information it has become known to the entire group.
The Johari window symbolizes a primary belief about the value of personal openness and sharing. Being open to hearing how others experience us, and willing to share personal information, result in our becoming increasingly opened sourced — experiencing the long-term growth and change made possible by our willingness to share. To be engaged in a community that values openness and sharing helps us understand ourselves in surprising ways. In the Johari window, this is what box 4, the box called the unknown, is all about. As we engage more deeply in an open relationship with others we learn new things about ourselves. For example, we may learn that many of the thoughts and feelings that we previously thought were unique to us, is also experienced by others. We might also find that some our thoughts and feelings that we assumed to be common are not.