Abraham Maslow devised a Hierarchy of Needs through which he tried to communicate the human’s 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. All of the lower levels must be reached before a human can experience the higher evels.

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.

Safety is the second step because people need to feel safe. Part of this need is having a secure job and financial stability. It is important for an employer to establish this feeling of safety. Employees are likely not to work as hard if they believe their job is in jeopardy. The employee may do something to negatively affect the company if their security is an issue.

The third level of the Hierarchy deals with one’s need to be loved and belong. It is critical for an employer to help employees develop friendships with each other. An employer can create this environment by scheduling events or pairing similar people to work together so they build a bond. In doing this a environment that employees like working in will be developed.

A person’s esteem is the fourth level. In group situations, people feel emotions of achievement and confidence, and have a strong desire to feel like they are part of the group. In a group, a person gains the respect of their peers, which in turns boosts their own self esteem. An employer can create engaging activities outside of work in order to facilitate bonding as well as boost confidence levels in the individual, in the group, and between peers. These activities can be as simple as a relay picnic event, or as involved as team sports.

Self-actualization, the ability to solve problems and use our creativity, is Maslow’s final level. This level also involves our moral compass, and can only be accessed once all of the lower levels mentioned have been achieved. We need self-actualization to become truly mature men and women.