Do you even know yourself?
You can turn self-awareness into engaging posts through this method
Introduction
Imagine stepping into an elevator with a high-powered executive. They’re impeccably dressed, but it’s their confidence and clarity about who they are that leaves an impression. That’s personal branding at its essence — a clear and authentic representation of one’s self.
Welcome to Day 1 of our series “30 Days of What to Do on Social Media,” where we unravel the facets of personal branding, starting with the concept of the “Johari Window.” For those who have missed our introductory article, we suggest you give it a read to set the context for our journey together.
Today, we delve into self-awareness as a cornerstone for brand authenticity, a topic pivotal for product managers and C-suite executives looking to polish their digital presence.
The Johari Window
In the digital age, an executive’s online persona is as scrutinized as their real-world actions. The Johari Window, a model developed in 1955 by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, although not new, provides profound insight into the multifaceted nature of personal branding. It’s a tool that helps us understand our relationship with ourselves and others, presenting a framework that is increasingly relevant in today’s social-media-driven world.
For a C-suite executive, their brand on social media is not just a reflection of their professional acumen but also their corporate values and leadership style. It’s about conveying authenticity — the real person behind the title. The Johari Window helps by dividing personal awareness into four quadrants: what we know about ourselves and choose to reveal, what we don’t disclose, what others perceive, and what is unknown to both ourselves and others.
The relevance of this concept to personal branding, especially on social media, cannot be overstated. In an environment saturated with content, authenticity helps cut through the noise, allowing leaders to forge genuine connections with their audience.
Take LinkedIn, for instance, a platform teeming with professionals. An executive’s post that shares a lesson learned from a challenging project resonates more than a generic industry update because it reveals a slice of their ‘open’ quadrant — the part of themselves they’re willing to share publicly.
Moreover, the ‘hidden’ quadrant comes into play when executives decide how much personal insight to share.
A tweet about a cause they’re passionate about or an industry trend they’re skeptical of offers a glimpse into their values and priorities. It’s these snippets of personal insight that often garner attention and stimulate engagement.
On the flip side, the ‘blind’ quadrant can be a source of growth. Feedback from peers on social media, if taken constructively, can reveal blind spots.
Lastly, the ‘unknown’ quadrant is exciting and daunting. Here lies the potential for discovery and innovation.
For instance, an executive sharing their journey of learning a new skill may stumble upon aspects of their leadership style they weren’t aware of, sparking conversations and new connections.
In this way, the Johari Window doesn’t just apply to personal development — it’s a strategic tool for personal branding. It encourages a balance between vulnerability and professionalism, allowing executives to craft a social media presence that is both relatable and respectable.
Application to Personal Branding
When executives contemplate the Johari Window concerning their social media presence, they often question the return on investment (ROI) of being transparent in various quadrants. It’s not about oversharing, but strategically unveiling the right aspects of one’s persona to strengthen their brand.
Posting from the ‘Open’ quadrant is expected to have a direct impact. For instance, an executive sharing a well-crafted piece on industry trends can see engagement rates climb by upwards of approximately 20%, according to social media analytics. This is because such content not only showcases their expertise but also contributes value to their audience’s professional lives.
Sharing from the ‘Hidden’ quadrant can yield significant ROI in terms of follower growth. Revealing personal milestones or views can lead to an approximate 10–15% increase in followers, as per social media engagement statistics. This growth stems from the human connection created when leaders share personal achievements or challenges, making them more relatable to their audience.
The ‘Blind’ area, when leveraged correctly through receptive engagement with followers, can improve the quality of interactions. For example, addressing a blind spot pointed out in the comments may enhance credibility and can lead to an approximate 5–10% increase in positive sentiment metrics. It shows that an executive is not only approachable but also values and acts on constructive feedback.
Lastly, posts exploring the ‘Unknown’ quadrant can be the most unpredictable yet potentially rewarding. Diving into new topics or areas of interest might result in a lower immediate ROI, sometimes seeing engagement dip by 5%. However, they can also lead to long-term benefits, like discovering new niches or interests within the audience, leading to a richer, more engaged follower base over time.
Strategic Insights
Building a content strategy for personal branding on social media can be deftly informed by the Johari Window model. The content bucket based on this concept should be a mix that allows for both personal expression and professional insights, tailored to the executive’s comfort with transparency and audience expectations.
For a balanced content strategy, a suggested ratio could be:
50% from the Open quadrant
This should be the bulk of the content. It includes professional insights, thought leadership articles, industry analysis, and sharing of work-related achievements or milestones. This content is what establishes credibility and showcases expertise.
20% from the Hidden Quadrant
Personal insights, reflections on personal growth, behind-the-scenes stories, or challenges faced can make up this portion. It shows the person behind the title, inviting the audience to a more intimate space of conversation.
20% from the Blind quadrant
Engaging with the audience through AMAs (Ask Me Anything), surveys, or feedback sessions where the executive can learn from the audience’s perceptions. This engagement can also lead to content creation based on the insights gained from these interactions.
10% from the Unknown quadrant
Content that explores new areas, such as emerging industry trends the executive is not known for or personal hobbies and interests that they are exploring. This small percentage allows for experimentation and spontaneity, which can lead to unique engagement opportunities.
Reflection and Engagement
For a personal brand to remain dynamic and engaging on social media, reflection is as crucial as action. Here’s how executives can foster reflection and dialogue:
Prompt Dialogue with Thought-Provoking Questions
Pose questions related to industry challenges or leadership dilemmas at the end of your posts. This not only spurs engagement but also offers insights into your audience’s perspectives.
Invite Feedback on Your Insights
When you share an article or a viewpoint, encourage your followers to share their thoughts. This can reveal what resonates with your audience and where their interests lie.
Share Your Reflections on Trending Topics
Reflecting on current events or trends and inviting discussion can help position you as a thought leader who’s in tune with the industry pulse.
Engage in Conversations
Don’t just post and forget; participate in the ensuing conversation. Acknowledge comments, provide further insights, and thank your audience for engaging.
Conclusion
To encapsulate our discussion: leveraging the Johari Window for personal branding on social media is about balance — sharing knowledge and experiences (Open), revealing personal insights and aspirations (Hidden), welcoming and reflecting on feedback (Blind), and embracing the journey of discovery (Unknown). By mindfully curating content across these quadrants, an executive crafts a brand that resonates with authenticity and engages on a deeper level.
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If you reached here, I must assume you understand the importance of building a brand. But I also understand you have a business to run. And our brand Chiseled exists to solve this problem.
Let us help you, connect with me at inchara@chiseled.in and we will get back to you with a foolproof strategy deck!
