Careers move through a hierarchy of levels within our lifetime. We can apply Maslow's Hierarchy of needs to the
needs of employees when working for an organization. If we look at the
motivation in our career we must have our needs meet to move into different
stages of development in our careers. These levels can move up and down the spectrum depending on were we are in our careers.
Physiological Needs - A need to have food, clothing
and Shelter is necessary first and foremost before looking for anything else in
a career. If an organization does not meet these needs the retention of
employees will be difficult to maintain.
Safety Needs - We must feel secure in the
position and safe within the environment that the organization creates.
Managers and leaders have a tremendous amount of influence in creating an
environment that is productive and promotes this feeling of safety for the
employee
Belonging & Love Needs - This is where a
cohesive team is essential to the retention. If the team is not cohesive
many people will move on to another organization that will give them this
requirement for development. Many organizations have lost valuable people
without a feeling of belonging
Esteem Needs - In this part of career
progression people are now looking respect, recognition and achievement.
This is where people will be looking for promotion and a need to move up the
corporate ladder. If there is not the opportunity to progress in their career
they could potential leave the organization
Self Actualization - This level is leaders are
made. When this level is achieved the person is a problem solver has
a high level of emotional intelligence and has a high level of morality
When looking at career progression look
to meet each of the specific needs to create a sense of leadership.
Organizations that are willing to provide these needs will retain the top
performers and become leaders in their industry. When looking at our
careers we should look for these needs to be met to reach our full potential in
our careers.
