The Masks We Wear: Unveiling the Truths Behind Our Identities

Masks

Today I woke up thinking about the different facets we all have and hide.

There is the professional mask that we show at our job or business. There is also the one of being someone's child, sibling, partner, or parent, and the one we create for ourselves, which is the hardest to see.

When the person you love lifts that mask, you feel the agony of being seen as you truly are, which could be frightening. The fear may come from the fact that we do not want to lift it. We have created a "perfect" image of who we want to be, and being confronted with our reality can be daunting.

The Johari Window is a model that I have always liked as a way to exemplify human interactions.

The principle, as I understand it, is that each person is a window, and this window changes with each person we interact with. It consists of four areas.

Johari Window

OPEN: The open area is what everyone can see, known to others but also known to self. It is what we want to present to the world: our profession, what we post on social media, our physical appearance, etc. We control this; it is what we wish to show and share freely.

HIDDEN: This is what we do not want to or are not yet ready to share, NOT known by others but KNOWN to self. It can only be known if we share it, and the level of knowledge depends on how close the relationship is with the person and what type of interaction we have with them.

UNKNOWN: This is the part that continually surprises us, NOT known by others and NOT known by self. No one knows themselves one hundred percent. For example, no one knows how they will react in an accident.

BLIND SPOT: The most fascinating part is this unknown point, known by others but NOT KNOWN by self. It refers to how others perceive us, and what parts they observe that we cannot see. We can only know this part when others share it honestly with us.

Generally, it is not something we actively seek. When it happens unsolicited, there is usually an element of defense, especially if it is something we consider negative, as we may feel attacked or vulnerable. However, if instead of defending ourselves we approach it with curiosity, we can learn a lot about who we are and set the stage for change. On the other hand, often people see very positive qualities in us that go unnoticed by ourselves. It is also important to listen.

You can apply this same concept to your business. The open area is your brand, your positioning, what you share; the hidden area is what you do not want or are not ready to share; the unknown area is the challenges that life presents us; and the blind spot is the testimonials and experiences of your customers.

The Importance of Open Communication

It's essential to recognize that the only way we can expand our window and address our blind spots is through sharing more about ourselves and actively seeking feedback. Each relationship is unique, and the dynamics of these interactions shape our understanding and growth.

The more open and honest interactions we have with those around us, the wider our window becomes. When we choose to share openly, it encourages the other person to do the same. This reciprocal exchange not only enhances our understanding and fosters trust but also enhances the quality of our relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Open and honest communication is vital at all levels of interaction.

• Sharing personal insights helps to expand our understanding and reduce blind spots.

• Encouraging feedback creates a supportive environment for growth.

• Unique relationships require tailored approaches to communication.

When was the last time you asked for feedback?

If you are interested, send me a message and I will send you the questions you can ask your acquaintances. It is always good to seek a group of people with whom you have a different level of relationship. I have personally done this with my clients, and I have always obtained similar results.

We can intuit some things about ourselves, but there are always many pleasant surprises regarding the qualities we do not see. However, be aware that what we believe we are hiding, everyone else can perceive.