Maslow’s model for motivation is the most popular aspect of his main contribution to society: pioneering a shift away from psychopathology and a focus on what is wrong with people to looking at how human potential can be fulfilled (Maslow, 1943).
Two major criticisms of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs have been: 1. it is incomplete (and so cognitive, aesthetic and transcendence were added over time) and 2. there is no one hierarchy and even if there is, it is not the same for all humans. Despite this, the articulation of these needs is a powerful resource to unlock more awareness and clarity about what is most important to us.
One major area of our lives where we seek to fulfill this potential is in our careers and to do so, it is critical that we understand what it is that we need to feel secure, to grow and to thrive in our careers. Instead of an ordered list, it is more useful to consider what we are calling Maslow’s (non)hierarchy of needs.
This non-ordered set of need bubbles offers you space to reflect on, re-order and customise the needs to your specific career context. Take some time and reflect on your source of career security, which basic needs are you striving to satisfy?
References:
Huitt, W. (2007). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University.
Maslow, A. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50, 370-396.
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