JUNE 04

Take your cue from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

ON-THE-LEVEL RECOGNITION

You might have studied Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in college. (Remember Pysch 101?) Well, it’s not all academic. Maslow’s research can help you determine how to best motivate your employees.

Here’s a quick refresher course: In 1954, psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed that people are motivated by a set of internal needs. He arranged these needs into a hierarchy, beginning with the most basic needs and ending with the most sophisticated.

Now, here’s the key: when one level of needs is satisfied, it no longer serves as an effective motivator, and the individual is motivated by the next level of needs in the hierarchy.

Ask yourself: Which level of needs are my employees seeking? Assuming your company’s pay and benefits are competitive and the workplace is safe, they are seeking to fill their esteem needs.

And that begs the question: What recognition have you provided them lately?