Leveraging self-actualization to fight fear.
Those who know me know that I preach the gospel according to Maslow. To understand human behavior, understand what people need. What are they trying to protect? What are they trying to get more of? Leaders who want to inspire loyal followers should borrow a page from Maslow’s playbook. Meet people where they are and work to ensure their needs are met.
Today’s news headlines are filled with examples of what happens when people feel that their way of life is under threat. Things get hostile. The current political vibe doesn’t help. As the election season heats up here in the U.S., so does the rhetoric. The arguments we hear most often are not what a candidate will do for us, but what their opponent will take away from us. The political-opinion machine is calculated to put voters on the defense because fear is a powerful motivator.
Democracy cannot be reduced to a meme. It deserves a more thoughtful response than social media one-upmanship. Anymore, when I see an irrationally hostile post, I find myself wondering, “Why does that person feel so threatened? What would it take to make them feel safe?”
It is not the job of business leaders to tell people how to vote; we do have a responsibility to act in the best interest of our stakeholders. Within our sphere of influence, we can ensure that the diverse spectrum of employees, customers, and suppliers feel that their opinions are respected. We can make sure they feel safe and are empowered to be their best selves. We can redirect people to channel their energy toward a common goal where all can experience the benefits of pulling together, instead of pulling apart.
Self-actualization is harder to provoke than fear, but it is so much more rewarding.
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