Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs An introduction to the theories of psychologist Abraham Maslow (1954)

YOU FIRST… What are some of your NEEDS? What are some of your WANTS? What MOTIVATES you to do things?

Consider Actual Needs What do you need to feel functional? What do you need to feel safe? What do you need to feel worthy? How important is it to address the above needs in order to cope with the daily stressors of life?

Who was Abraham Maslow? Attempted to synthesize a large body of research on human motivation Researchers before him focused on separate factors like biology, achievement, and power Maslow the first to consider ALL factors together

True wisdom is here Food, shelter, warmth More on the next slide about this one Love, order, beauty Food, shelter, warmth

Personal Growth Learning becomes important for personal satisfaction and relationships with others Appreciation for things in the world around you becomes important: Nature’s beauty Kindness to others Deep-seated appreciation of friends and family Ability to maintain a meaningful and intimate relationship with another

More about self-actualization: Self-actualized people are: Problem-focused Appreciative of life Concerned about personal growth Able to have “peak experiences”

What kind of information do people on each level seek? How can I help others achieve actualization? How can I become a better person in the world? How can I create beauty in my life? How can I learn more? How can I feel good about myself? How can I get affection? How can I be safe from harm? Where’s the food? What kind of information do people on each level seek?

EDIFYING INFOR-MATION EMPOWERING INFORMATION ENLIGHTENING INFORMATION HELPING INFORMATION COPING INFORMATION What do we call this kind of information?

SO…why does it matter? LOF looks at what happens to children and pre-teens when they are completely removed from the restraints of society and must meet their needs…whatever level they are on. Several leaders emerge…and potential leaders. Each strives to meet the children’s needs…but some are more successful than others. When we look at Maslow’s work, we can understand what makes them successful or not. We can understand the book better…and how to be better leaders ourselves, in our school and community.