Leadership today is more challenging than ever, as it requires navigating the complexities of human anxiety, uncertainty, ambition, and egos - all at once. Leaders must also contend with younger employees who often project confidence, and assertiveness yet may still be uncertain about what they truly want. Millennials and Generation Z are unafraid to bypass their immediate managers to voice concerns directly, adding another layer of complexity. Furthermore, these generations tend to be less equipped to handle stress compared to their predecessors, underscoring the growing importance of effective and empathetic leadership.
We all have the same basic needs
The six basic human needs provide a practical key for discovering one’s needs, behaviours, values and beliefs. They are the vehicles we use to meet our needs and these needs underlie and inspire every choice we make.
The first four are the needs of the personality and the final two needs are those of the Spirit:
Certainty - Everybody wants avoid pain and have assurance that our basic needs are met.
Uncertainty - We also crave variety, excitement and new stimuli.
Significance - We all need to feel unique, special and important.
Connection - We want to be loved and cared for and want a feeling of closeness with like-minded people.
Growth - We all have a need to grow and expand in our personal and professional lives.
Contribution - We have a desire to serve and support someone or something bigger than ourselves in a meaningful way.