Reflection #4

Based on Maslow’s heirarchy of needs and motivation, I work based on survival and fulfillment. As a Social Worker, I have satisfied both these needs. I have steady employment which provides the money I need to survive, and also provides the fulfillment I need to grow and practice personal values when I provide services for my youth.

Effective employers understand that everyone has different motivation levels. They also understand that each employee is a key member and are valued no matter their job position. It takes the entire team for the organization to be fully functional and successful. By understanding this and creating different strategies to meet the lower level of needs before the higher needs, employees are more satisfied and commited to the organization thus producing engaged individuals and great work outcomes.

This requires emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence includes being able to understands people, self-awareness, persistence, confidence, and empathy. It is an essential and indispensable requirement for leadership.

Excellent leaders are aware of this quality and can use it to guide the behaviors of others or self.

The leaders that possess emotional intelligence are able to understand what motives an individual, and what they can do to help one achieve different levels of motivation based on their current needs.