When you are in business, it’s helpful to have an understanding of what people want. Abraham Maslow developed the Hierarchy of Needs in 1943. In Maslow’s theory there are five general levels of need, each of which must be met before a person can focus on the next higher-order need. The five levels in Maslow’s theory are: Physiological (breathing, food, water, sleep); Safety (security of body, property); Love/Belonging (friendship, family); Esteem (confidence, self-esteem, respect of and from others); Self-actualization (morality, creativity, problem solving, lack of prejudice). In short, if you don’t have enough food, or you’re in physical danger, you’re not focused on whether or not other people like you or how much personal growth you’re experiencing. Continue reading →