Dalyn, what a great connection to your work environment.
Here is the same chart with some specific elements for each level, the goal is to achieve self actualization
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory I've drawn inspiration from for years. I identify with it for a number of reasons. It is one of those theories that makes so much sense as to be difficult to argue with. Attention is a key component in individual success in the workplace. If an employee is distracted, they are unlikely to be as productive as they are capable of being. Common distractions are considered in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and allow for managers to not only identify employees who may need additional aid, but also to identify employees who are likely to be too distracted for certain critical projects. I've used this theory to inform decisions related to my teams, to champion them to upper management in order to ensure all steps are made to provide them with as much stability as possible, and to identify opportunities for helping them build the confidence needed to grow and thrive.
One of my favorite things about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is how easy it is to modify and apply it to a variety of circumstances. I have used this theory structure frequently in different management positions without requiring modification, but I was able to use it as inspiration in my current role, which is focused largely on identifying, recruiting, training, and empowering teams of volunteers. Working with volunteers limits my ability to use Maslow's Hierarchy in it's created structure - I am not able to provide resources like pay or insurance - but knowing my limitations in that regard has provided me the opportunity to identify different ways we can help struggling volunteers. It has also given me the information that I need to be successful when considering volunteers for any leadership position, as there is a reliable, tested-by-myself structure to reference when considering if someone has the ability to contribute in the ways we require. The adaptability of the theory to work for different organizational structures and project circumstances has proven invaluable to me.
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