Seeking the Actualized Side of Self
To understand the concept of actualization, it is helpful to consider Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a model that establishes levels of needs that a person focuses on and must meet before moving to the next need in the hierarchy. The hierarchy of needs can be considered both on individual and business levels.
The most basic level in the hierarchy of needs is physiological needs. At this level are basic survival needs, including employment and income sufficient for basic needs. The second level of needs is security. Security can be about physical safety, emotional safety, fair work practices, and benefits. Although it might be easy to ignore these two basic levels in the workplace, there may be employees whose needs at these levels need to be met.
The third level of needs is social needs. For social needs to result in actualization, it is vital to surround oneself, whether at work or outside of work, with those who accept us for who we are to achieve a sense of safety. This acceptance isn’t always possible at work. The fourth level is esteem needs. At this level, the focus is on self-respect, achievement, recognition, and appreciation.
At the top of the hierarchy is self-actualization. A self-actualized person has achieved such status through internal growth and development. Self-actualization is becoming or actualizing one’s highest self and potential. Self-actualized people connect deeply to a sense of purpose beyond the normal day-to-day. They are grateful, humble, and fulfilled. A self-actualized person is more resilient and operates from abundance and strength rather than scarcity and sphere.
An actualized person will function as a good friend, co-worker, leader, or boss. Things go wrong when a person functions from that person’s shadow side. When the shadow side prevails, a worker may be unproductive, and relationships may be negatively affected.