Transform Team Communication with Johari & DISC

Discover how pairing the Johari Window with DISC creates a cohesive and productive team culture

The Johari Window is a powerful tool that helps you understand ‘blind spots’ through feedback and self-reflection. The DISC model provides a framework for understanding and adjusting communication styles to connect more effectively with different personalities. Put these tools together, and you can achieve deep insights into personal strengths and challenges, that can create a more cohesive and productive environment.

How the DISC model enhances self-awareness

DISC, which stands for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness, categorizes people into four primary communication styles. Each style represents a set of behavioural tendencies:

Dominance (D) – Results-oriented, assertive, and decisive. Individuals high in Dominance tend to focus on tasks, goals, and challenges.

Influence (I) – Social, enthusiastic, and persuasive. People with an Influence style are energized by interactions and tend to be highly communicative.

Steadiness (S) – Patient, reliable, and cooperative. Those with Steadiness prefer consistency, harmony, and are often seen as dependable team players.

Conscientiousness (C) – Detail-oriented, analytical, and precise. People with a Conscientious style prioritize accuracy, structure, and systematic approaches.

Each DISC style brings unique strengths to the table, but also specific communication needs and preferences. By using the DISC model alongside the Johari Window, individuals can not only gain feedback about blind spots but also tailor their communication and behaviour to align better with their DISC profile and those of others. 

Uncover blind spots

Using the Johari Window to uncover blind spots is particularly valuable when paired with insights from the DISC model. For example, Mike, a project manager with a Dominance style, learns from his team’s feedback that his communication often feels abrupt and intimidating. This awareness, enhanced by his understanding of the “D” style, allows him to consciously adopt a softer tone when dealing with team members who may feel overlooked by his results-driven focus.

Communicate more openly

DISC helps reduce the hidden area in the Johari Window by encouraging people to share aspects of their preferred communication style. For example, Emily, who has a Steadiness style, explains to her team that she values a calm, steady environment but sometimes struggles to voice her opinions in group settings. By disclosing this, her team knows to invite her input more directly, which empowers her to challenge while still feeling supported.

Improve team engagement

The Johari Window helps uncover how one communication style might impact others, and DISC provides specific strategies for adapting to others' needs. For example, Hannah, a manager with a Conscientiousness style, realises her explanations are overly detailed during daily stand-ups. Recognising her tendency through DISC, she trims her updates, encourages sharing and listens more, ensuring all team members stay engaged and focused on key points.

Flex your style

Both DISC and the Johari Window encourage flexibility in communication by listening and adapting to feedback. For example, John, whose Influence style means he talks more than he listens in meetings, received feedback from his peers they sometimes struggle to contribute due to his talkative nature. Recognising this, John works on pausing more and inviting others to share, fostering a more inclusive environment.

Try it out yourself

Use this weekly DISC-based Johari check in to help you integrate Johari Window principles and DISC insights into regular team interactions, encouraging continuous improvement and fostering a more self-aware, communicative team environment. 

1. At the start or end of each week, hold short team check-in where each person reflects on one instance where they used their DISC style to communicate effectively and one instance where they could have adapted better.

2. Ask team members to share any feedback they’ve received or insights they’ve gained about their communication style (Blind area).

3. Encourage each person to identify a small goal for the week to help reduce their Blind or Hidden areas. For instance, a high-S might aim to voice their opinion in meetings, while a high-D might practice listening actively before responding.

4. Check back the next week to discuss progress and insights gained.

The DISC model offers a practical guide to behaviour and the Johari Window reveals hidden aspects through feedback. The combination is a powerful tool for anyone aiming to improve their communication, leadership, and collaborative skills.