The Johari Window is a great tool for helping you gain a better understanding of yourself.  The Theory has existed since the 1950’s.  In listening to some of the recent news reports of leaders in the public and private sectors who have taken unethical turns, I wonder if this staple of a college course really resonated with them. 

In short, the Theory says you have four areas: (1) Public Area – things you know about yourself that others also know – example, you’re a little overweight; (2) Unknown Area – things you don’t know about yourself and others don’t know either – example, how you might react during a fire; (3) Private Area – things you know about yourself but others don’t know – example, you have a fear of heights; and, (4) Blindspot Area – things others know about you but you don’t know about yourself – example, you talk too much.  The key to the Johari Window is to learn as much about yourself as possible and to ultimately reduce the Blindspot Area.  As you seek to become a leader known for his ethical standards and one who avoids unethical situations, honestly ask yourself the following questions: 

1. Do you display enthusiasm?  Your folks will reflect your degree of enthusiasm.  If you don’t show enthusiasm about your work and institution, you can’t expect them to.  In addition, never whine – it will spread like the common cold.

2. Do you take time to be alone?  Self-reflection is critical for keeping the proper balance between family, spirituality, and work.  Self-reflection also allows you to keep focus on your professional and personal goals.

3. Do you prize self-discipline?  If you prize self-discipline, you will have self-discipline.  Self discipline in this “do your own thing world” is not always particularly prized.

4. Are you interesting?  This question directly relates to number 1 above.  If you show enthusiasm, you normally don’t come off as boring.  Also, do you have fresh ideas, fresh approaches, think outside the box? Use your creative juices, coupled with an enthusiastic attitude, to ward off boredom (yours and others).

5. Are you humble?  General Hugh Shelton, a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, once said “The further up the flagpole you go, the more of your rear-end you show.”  Keep your humility.

6. Do you worry about being good or looking good?  Don’t consume yourself with how things will “look” for you.  Do the very best you can and always seek improvement and the right perceptions will fall into place.

7. Do you keep team focus?  Keep the team tightly woven – good planning, value-added contributions, and positive attitudes are necessary pieces for each member on a strong team.  Also, if someone decides to leave the team and the team is better off, then that’s a clear win.

8. Do you take yourself or your job seriously?  Don’t take yourself too seriously.  If something happened to you today a replacement could be available tomorrow.  However, you have an ethical responsibility to do your best on your job.  Take your job seriously but not to the extreme (i.e., job becomes your whole life).

9. Do you work smart and hard or just hard?  Don’t just work hard, work hard and smart (tap into your creative juices).  Some say people are “lucky” when good things happen.  No, it’s because the harder and smarter they worked the luckier they got.

10. Do people value your ethical standards?  If no, you’ve got work to do.  If yes, people will try to adopt your ethical standards and their respect for you will show.

Understand yourself.  Once you understand yourself, you are better able to understand others.  Most importantly, a good self-understanding allows you to build a very strong ethical framework.