Maslow’s Hierarch of Need for Entrepreneurs

​by Nina Sonovia Brown, LPCC 

​According to Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, it is rare for a person to achieve meaning and purpose in their life without first meeting other needs, like shelter, love, safety, and confidence. Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, I will outline how entrepreneurs can establish an inclusive, emotionally intelligent business with the end game (EG) legacy or contribution to society in mind.

​

“Getting what we want out of life is a rare and difficult psychological achievement.” -Albert Maslo

In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, referenced above, the bottom tier of the pyramid sets the tone for all other levels and ultimately helps individuals self-actualize or find meaning and purpose in their lives. Once the essential physiological needs (e.g., food, clothing, shelter) are satisfied, you can proceed up the pyramid towards finding inner potential. For the entrepreneur, the crucial physiological needs are simple: get paid for your product or service!
Once psychological needs are met, an individual moves towards the safety and security tier according to Maslow. As a business person who is paid, you will want to establish financial security, which will create stability for your company.

When financial security is established, you can move on to Maslow’s love and belonging tier. This is where you will focus on building significant business relationships. These relationships will establish a sense of belonging for you, and is where you find your “safe place.”

With financial security and a “safe place,” you are ready to create an emotional intelligence culture in your company. According to Maslow, this tier is where your uniqueness starts to grow and respect happens with peers and others. Building emotional intelligence will be critical to your success and performance as you begin to achieve status and business results.

Lastly is what I refer to as the “End Game”. This is why you ventured into business and will become your legacy. For Maslow, this is what turns into self actualization, and is the place where individuals develop purpose and their inner potential.  

About the Author:​

​Nina is an Emotional Intelligence Expert for corporations, schools, and individuals. She is also a Mindfulness Teacher, College Profession, and CEO of Solonco, an emotional intelligence, and mindfulness training company.