The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

46 / MANAGING A TEAM

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

SAFETY

NEEDS

Once physiological

needs are satisfied,

safety needs are

aroused. These can

be satisfied at work

by having job security

and safe working

conditions, and

receiving medical

benefits.

PHYSIOLOGICAL

NEEDS

Our most basic

needs are for physical

survival, such as to

satisfy hunger or thirst.

At work, this is receiving

enough pay to buy food

and clothing and pay

our bills.

Motivating others

Understanding needs

As a manager, you need to understand

what drives your team to do the best

that they can. American psychologist

Abraham Maslow proposed that every

individual has a five-level hierarchy of

needs that they are driven to attempt

to satisfy. After a lower-level need has

been largely satisfied, its impact on

Every day, people make decisions about how much effort to put into their

work. Managers have many opportunities to influence these decisions

and motivate their team by providing challenging work, recognizing

outstanding performance, allowing participation in decisions that

affect employees, and showing concern for personal issues.

Ability is the product of

aptitude, training, and

resources, while motivation

is the product of desire and

commitment; all are required

for high performance levels

US_046-047_Motivating_Others.indd 46 30/05/16 3:00 pm