Johari Window

Johari Window (Lego Model)

This is a working model of the Johari Window, which I have developed as part of a course at the University of Cambridge, I am attending from Denmark. The Johari Window is used within human interaction and the development of self-awareness.

The four quadrants represent:

• Open (known to self and others);
• Blind (not known to self, but known to others);
• Hidden (not known to self and not known to others); and
• Unknown (not known to self and not known to others).

The Lego model is essentially a visualisation tool. The quadrants (arena/area/boxes) of the window are not static, but the size of the Lego quadrants can be moved, increasing or decreasing in response to feedback and self-disclosure by the client. It may also be used to visualise one's own self-awareness, if carrying out that exercise on one's own.

The model demonstrates the key role that two-way communication plays in group relationships. When individuals increase their 'Open' quadrant and at the same time decrese activity in the other three other quadrants, they wil heighten their awareness of each other's thoughts and processes and be able to build relationships based on trust, honesty and openess. In this way, a group will become more effective as a team, as each person develops a 'more effective' (Lego) Johari Window.