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Abraham Maslow wrote a Hierarchy of Needs where he tried to understand the humans basic concerns and desires. He focused on some of the most intellectual people of his day to base his research. The Maslow Hierarchy of Needs incorporates five different levels: Physiological, Safety, Love and Belonging, Esteem, and Self Actualization. According to Maslow, all of the lower levels must be reached before someone can attempt to address the higher levels, so it is important to understand where your team sits, as a whole, as well as understanding the placement of each individual within 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.
The second level is safety. Humans must feel secure. This means that they must have job and financial security. An employer must establish this security in his employees. If an employee believes that he is potentially going to be laid off or fired, then he may not work as hard as he could. He may decide to give up or even do something to negatively impact the company as revenge.
The third level deals with a person's desire to be loved and feel like they belong. It is important for employers to help his employees establish friendships with one another. By doing so, he can create an environment in which the employees enjoy working in. The employer can do so by scheduling events or pairing like minded individuals on tasks in which they can bond.
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.
Finally, the last level, according to Maslow, is self actualization. This is our ability to be creative and problem solve. It also deals with our feelings of morality. We can achieve these feelings once we have reached all of the other previous levels that were already discussed. Only then, can we reach self actualization and become completely mature.
Daiv Russell is a [management and marketing|marketing and management] consultant with Envision Consulting in Tampa, Florida. Find more Team Building Ideas, techniques, and exercises or learn more about finding the root cause of your organization's teamwork issues.
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