Managing Re-entry Home: Systematically planning the exit and return

In the blog last week, we explored the key phases of the re-entry adjustment experience. This week we will review one approach based on the Johari Window that can facilitate effective planning when both exiting from the host nation and returning to the home context.

Adaptation and application to the planning challenge

After any extended period living overseas, planning the departure and re-entry home can be a daunting experience that typically requires several months to complete to any satisfactory level. Such planning also needs to be organised within some coherent framework that visually illustrates an objective approach to the evaluation of both the positive and negative expectations together with potential challenges.

While some particularly well-organised and efficient individuals develop their own approach, there are, of course, several effective planning models. However, from a personal experience of planning numerous extended sojourns, I find an adaptation of the Johari Window a particularly effective tool. The primary reason is that it facilitates detailed critical evaluation of potential threats that otherwise might not even be considered in all the drama, organised chaos, and frequent comedy of the planning process.

Introduction to the Johari Window

The Johari Window is a straightforward framework that can facilitate significant improvements in self-awareness and interpersonal skills leading to personal growth. This conceptual model was created by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955. The name is derived from a combination of their first names of Jo and Hari. They created the model as an aspect of their research into group dynamics and communication. Their purpose was to improve interpersonal interactions in groups by helping individuals understand how their behaviours and feelings are perceived by others to foster more effective collaboration together with stronger positive relationships between members.

However, the model is now used in a variety of contexts like the effective planning of complex processes as it promotes constant critical and creative thinking about a range of challenges that need to be addressed systematically.

Brief examples of the application to the planning process

Known Knowns

With reference to the four quadrants, the initial concept of Known Knowns are things we consider ourselves to be fully aware of key issues, challenges, and current developments. However, in the context of a return home, this information needs to be continuously reviewed and updated given the rapid rate of change in all cultural environments.

Unknown Knowns

Next, come the Unknown Knowns that are things we understand and important but are currently unaware of the actual details given inevitable changes that will have occurred during the sojourn. For example, to what extent have there been significant changes in the transportation systems, rules to register for taxation, the recording of home residency, and obtaining a driving licence. These and other essential requirements for a basic functional everyday life are constantly being revised or updated at both the national and local government levels.

Known Unknowns

Then, there are the Known Unknowns that are things we are aware but currently do not have enough information to fully understand or manage. A common example here is that while the returnee has provided with appropriate accommodation, it is in a town that is totally unknown and needs to be researched before arrival to avoid immediate disorientation.

Unknown Unknowns

Finally, there are the intriguing Unknown Unknowns that are things we are completely unaware of but have the capacity to trigger significant return shock when suddenly encountered. The importance of this concept is to motivate continuous critical thinking about what issues could possibly have been overlooked during the planning process. Moreover, it is also a reminder that there will be omissions in even the most detailed planning requiring a response that is appropriate, creative, and focused.

In conclusion, in the blog next week we will explore some practical strategies that can help minimise exposure to reverse culture shock during the early period of the return home.

Reference

Luft, J. & Ingham, H. (1955). "The Johari window, a graphic model of interpersonal awareness". Proceedings of the western training laboratory in group development. Los Angeles: University of California, Los Angeles.