Behavior of individuals is usually driven by their strongest need at that time. Abraham Maslow developed his now renowned "Hierarchy of Needs". This simple model helps to explain the dominance that certain needs may create. On many occasions I have seen this at work in both individuals and even at macro level in SA Inc. All good leaders will have this model in their "toolkit" to help them understand the drivers of behavior of those they are leading.
It works on the premise that certain needs dominate and unless satisfied the next level of need will always have a lower priority. Throughout life we all strive towards a need for Self-Actualization - (need to maximise one's potential), but that is at the end of the hierarchy and other needs dominate before that. Maslow's model follows this sequence:
Physiological needs - food , clothing and shelter - only then
Safety needs - free of fear of physical danger or deprivation of physiological needs - only then
Social needs - feeling of belonging and acceptance by others - only then
Esteem needs - recognition and respect from others - only then
Self-Actualization needs - need to maximise one's potential or the desire to become what one is capable of becoming.
Good leaders will understand the degree of satisfaction of the various levels of needs in their teams or followers. These needs do drive behavior and thus reflecting on them will allow a leader to minimise conflict, enhance efficiency of teams and make decisions that are acceptable and supported by followers. A little effort on a more basic need that is not fulfilled will help drive individuals behaviors and productivity.
Note that different people will be at different stages or see different importance in each basic need. All the needs are present in each person, but will have different priorities at that stage of their lives.
Think about your teams, your family or even our country at this point and you will see the effects of Maslow's Hierarchy in reality. Try it - it works
Key take-outs:
- Make a mental note of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- Evaluate behaviours against Maslow's Hierarchy to see if a higher priority need is driving behavior you did not expect
- Remember the Hierarchy is flexible and a general guide, but priority differs between individuals and their values
- Even at top executives level, food and comfort are key - and for the homeless, esteem can often be a high priority.