Just about everyone has heard of Abraham Maslow’s five-tier pyramid of basic human needs: physical, safety, belonging, esteem and self-actualization. Self-actualization is reaching our full potential. Since we have different God-given gifts, full potential is different for each of us. But there is no way to reach it if the other four needs are not met. Without shelter in a safe environment surrounded by friends and/or family it might be hard to focus on becoming your best self. Once the first four basic needs are met, focusing on the fifth is easier.
For many of us, the workplace contributes to the realization of esteem and self-actualization needs. Although not stated I believe Dominica, author of The 6 Basic Human Needs of Personal Development, which appeared in a May issue of Daily Motivation an online magazine, is building on Maslow’s work.
She lists the following as the 6 basic human needs of personal development: certainty, variety, significance, connection, growth, and contribution. While these needs are pertinent to life in general, they are most applicable in the workplace.
We certainly want the sun to rise tomorrow, the HVAC system to work, and the paycheck to come. Not getting these needs met will redirect your attention.
We want certainty, but we also want variety. Doing the same things in the same place all the time could become boring. Cross-training, changing things up from time to time, or offering new challenges/opportunities will keep daily work fresh.
Employees want to feel valued (significant) They want to be appreciated for what they do and for who they are. It is important to find meaningful ways to show them how you feel about them.
Humans are wired for connection, however, COVID has changed the dynamic. I used to think of human connectivity as in-person. My Toastmasters’ club has been meeting on Zoom for the past year and a half and we are still very connected. Whether remote or in-person, people have a desire to be part of a community or group.
“Good, better best, never, let it rest until your good becomes your better and your better becomes your best.” I don’t know If John Cassis, a motivational speaker, coined the phrase or got it from someone else, but I live by it, It is a maxim for growth Every day, I want to be a little better than yesterday. Growth opportunities are necessary for advancement in an organization. It doesn’t matter if you are in management or on staff, seek them.
The greatest contribution anyone can make in an organization, especially leaders is to foster a culture of empathy and respect. It creates a safe environment that unleashes innovation and turns perceived liabilities into assets to create real equity value in every meaning of the word. Soft skills produce tangible results. That is how you add value to yourself and the organization.
How are your and the needs of others being met in the workplace? To learn more about my coaching practice visit www.ProDestinyCoaching.com