“Seeing Myself Through Others”

Purpose of This Activity

This exercise is designed to help you increase your self-awareness as a mentor. By comparing how you see yourself with how others see you, you will identify your strengths, blind spots, and areas for growth.

Part 1: Understanding the Johari Window

The Johari Window consists of four areas:

Open Area – Traits known to you and known to others

Blind Area – Traits known to others but not recognized by you

Hidden Area – Traits known to you but not known to others

Unknown Area – Traits unknown to both you and others

As mentors, increasing the Open Area improves trust, authenticity, and effectiveness.

Part 2: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Self-Selection (5 Minutes)

Below is a list of adjectives.

✔ Select 5 adjectives that you believe best describe you as a mentor or leader.
✔ Circle or tick them clearly.
✔ Do not overthink — choose what genuinely reflects you.

Johari Adjective List

□ Able
□ Accepting
□ Adaptable
□ Approachable
□ Bold
□ Brave
□ Calm
□ Caring
□ Cheerful
□ Clever
□ Confident
□ Dependable
□ Dignified
□ Empathetic
□ Energetic
□ Ethical
□ Fair
□ Friendly
□ Generous
□ Helpful
□ Honest
□ Independent
□ Inspirational
□ Insightful
□ Intelligent
□ Kind
□ Knowledgeable
□ Logical
□ Mature
□ Non-judgmental
□ Observant
□ Open-minded
□ Organized
□ Patient
□ Positive
□ Practical
□ Reflective
□ Reliable
□ Respectful
□ Responsible
□ Self-aware
□ Strategic
□ Supportive
□ Trustworthy
□ Understanding
□ Visionary
□ Warm

Step 2: Peer Feedback (10–15 Minutes)

Form a small group of 4–5 participants.

Each participant will share their sheet with group members.

Every group member selects 2–3 adjectives from the same list that they believe describe that participant.

Write the selected adjectives next to the participant’s name.

• Be honest.
• Be respectful.
• Focus on observable behavior, not personal judgment.

Step 3: Categorizing the Adjectives (10 Minutes)

Now compare your self-selected adjectives with those selected by peers.

Place them into the four categories below:

1. Open Area

Adjectives chosen by both you and others.

2. Blind Area

Adjectives chosen by others but NOT by you.

3. Hidden Area

Adjectives chosen by you but NOT by others.

4. Unknown Area

Adjectives not selected by anyone.

Step 4: Individual Reflection (10 Minutes)

Reflect quietly and write your thoughts:

Which feedback surprised you?

What blind spots did you discover?

Are your strengths clearly visible to others?

What behavior might you improve as a mentor?

Write your reflections here:

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Step 5: Commitment Statement (5 Minutes)

Complete the statement below:

“As a mentor, I will work on improving ____________________________ to become more effective.”

Key Learning Points

Self-awareness is foundational to effective mentoring.

Blind spots can impact mentoring relationships.

Openness builds psychological safety and trust.

Feedback is a gift when received with maturity.