Abraham Maslow's Workforce Motivation Wizardry

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs was written as he tried to convey the basics of human concern and desire. He based his research on the more intellectual people of his era. Abraham Maslow's Needs Hierarchy has five different tiers. Included in these five tiers are Physiological, Safety, Love and Belonging, Esteem, and Self Actualization. In his theory, Maslow says that lower tiers must be reached before one can attend to the higher levels. It's important to know where your team sits as a whole, as well as knowing the placement of each person in the group.

The lowest level is a human's physiological concerns. In order to survive, we must feed ourselves, quench our thirst, breath, use the bathroom, and procreate. If we did not do these things, then we could not survive. A leader must make sure that his employee's basic concerns and comforts are met in order for them to reach their full potential. For example, if an employee is freezing cold in the work place, then she will not work as quickly and efficiently as if she were in a comfortable environment.

Safety and security occupy the second tier of needs that humans have to fulfill in Maslow's Needs Hierarchy. For adults, safety is achieved by having employment and monetary security. At work, employers should create a secure environment for the workers. Employees who fear layoffs or termination will not invest as much care or effort as they could. Without job security, employees might do sub-par work. Even worse, insecure employees might resort to causing harm to the company as a form of revenge.

The third step covers a person's desire to belong and feel loved. By helping employees establish friendships with one another, an employer can help create an environment in which employees enjoy working. Scheduling social events or pairing compatible individuals on tasks are ways an employer can provide bonding opportunities.

The fourth level involves a person's esteem. Humans have the desire to feel as though they are part of a group. In group situations, we have the ability to feel emotions of achievement and confidence. We start to gain the respect of others which in return boosts our self esteem. An employer can create activities outside of work to help engage his employees. Whether it is a team sport or relay picnic event, co-workers can bond over the activities, have a great time, and boost their confidence in themselves.

Self-actualization is the last level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This level includes our ability to solve problems, reach moral decisions, and use our creativity. This tier cannot be reached until all of the previously summarized levels have been accomplished. Once we have achieved self-actualization, we become fully mature adults.