The Johari Window gives leaders a very interesting perspective on who they are, there strengths, weaknesses, purpose, and even there attitudes. In the following post we will look at examples of the Johari Window in application to the Lion King and Simba’s journey. It will help us to see that as one’s window of opportunity shifts so too does the Jahari Window.
In the Disney’s the Lion King the Simba begins as a small cub and heir to the jungle’s throne. His desire to be king is known by all and shown in the musical scene “I just can’t wait to be king.” Sometimes Simba is blind to his own confidence and it hides some of his short comings as a predator and future leader. Simba himself makes an effort to hide his fears from the eyes of others, like in the scene in the Elephant Graveyard, where he hides his anxiety from Nala, before the hyenas attack. However, neither Simba or the others on the savanna knew of Scar’s intentions or how Simba would handle the loss of Mufasa.
After running away to save himself from the hyenas Simba is rescued and taken in by Timon and Pumbaa. At this point in his life Simba’s confidence is shattered and he believes he has found the perfect way to escape the loss of his father, the care free Hakuna Matata life style. Unknown to Simba fate has other plans, and eating well in the oasis and getting lots of exercise are making him fit to be a king. This however, is apparent to Nala when she stumbles across Simba in the Jungle. Therefore it is a blind spot in his window. Simba’s fears come to light at this point as he refuses to leave with Nala. This fear which had once been known only to him comes into the open. Still unknown to Simba or the pride is his how will even overcome such an adversity as Scar and his minions. The answer comes from good friends Timon and Pumbaa his loyalty and love for Simba come through in the end where they were once hidden by there own fears of neglect.
By the end of the movie Simba has become much more Self-aware, his ability to self-regulate and overcome fear has grown. These two steps of Emotional Intelligence unlock his high motivation to take back Pride Rock, and his empathetic love and devotion to his family. In his journey to Emotional Intelligence his Jahari window again shifts. Simba is able to unlock the answers to his doubts from his talks with Rafiki and an apparition of his father. Simba is no longer trapped in fear of the unknown, but encouraged by what is opened up to him about himself and his destiny. His survival is still hidden from Scar until Simba surprises him at Pride Rock in the midst of a devastating drought. The fear that was once hidden is forgotten, and strength and skill that were once unknown rise to the open before Scar, as Simba, with the help of his friends, vanquishes evil from the savanna and claims the throne.
Cam
The Breakfast Blog 