Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - Explained!

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology, proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation.
Maslow use the terms Physiological, Safety, Belongingness and Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization needs to describe the pattern that human motivations generally move through.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is often portrayed in the shape of a pyramid, with the largest and most fundamental levels of needs at the bottom, and the need for self-actualisation at the top.
(Note: Maslow never personally used a pyramid to describe these levels in any of his writings on the subject.)

Physiological needs

For the most part, physiological needs are obvious – they are the literal requirements for human survival. If these requirements are not met, the human body simply cannot continue to function.
Air, water, and food are metabolic requirements for survival in all animals, including humans. Clothing and shelter provide necessary protection from the elements. The intensity of the human sexual instinct is shaped more by sexual competition than maintaining a birth rate adequate to survival of the species.

Safety needs

With their physical needs relatively satisfied, the individual's safety needs take precedence and dominate behavior. In the absence of physical safety – due to war, natural disaster, or, in cases of family violence, childhood abuse, etc. – people (re-)experience post-traumatic stress disorder and trans-generational trauma transfer. In the absence of economic safety – due to economic crisis and lack of work opportunities – these safety needs manifest themselves in such things as a preference for job security, grievance procedures for protecting the individual from unilateral authority, savings accounts, insurance policies, reasonable disability accommodations, and the like.
Safety and Security needs include:

1. Personal security
2. Financial security
3. Health and well-being
4. Safety net against accidents/illness and their adverse impacts

Love and belonging

After physiological and safety needs are fulfilled, the third layer of human needs are interpersonal and involve feelings of belongingness. The need is especially strong in childhood and can over-ride the need for safety as witnessed in children who cling to abusive parents. Deficiencies with respect to this aspect of Maslow's hierarchy – due to hospitalism, neglect, shunning, ostracism etc. – can impact individual's ability to form and maintain emotionally significant relationships in general, such as:

1. Friendship
2. Intimacy
3. Family

Humans need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, whether it comes from a large social group, such as clubs, office culture, religious groups, professional organizations, sports teams, gangs, or small social connections (family members, intimate partners, mentors, close colleagues, confidants). They need to love and be loved (sexually and non-sexually) by others. In the absence of these elements, many people become susceptible to loneliness, social anxiety, and clinical depression. This need for belonging can often overcome the physiological and security needs, depending on the strength of the peer pressure; an anorexic, for example, may ignore the need to eat and the security of health for a feeling of control and belonging.

Esteem

All humans have a need to be respected and to have self-esteem and self-respect. Esteem presents the normal human desire to be accepted and valued by others. People need to engage themselves to gain recognition and have an activity or activities that give the person a sense of contribution, to feel self-valued, be it in a profession or hobby. Imbalances at this level can result in low self-esteem or an inferiority complex. People with low self-esteem need respect from others. They may seek fame or glory, which again depends on others. Note, however, that many people with low self-esteem will not be able to improve their view of themselves simply by receiving fame, respect, and glory externally, but must first accept themselves internally. Psychological imbalances such as depression can also prevent one from obtaining self-esteem on both levels.
Most people have a need for a stable self-respect and self-esteem. Maslow noted two versions of esteem needs, a lower one and a higher one. The lower one is the need for the respect of others, the need for status, recognition, fame, prestige, and attention. The higher one is the need for self-respect, the need for strength, competence, mastery, self-confidence, independence and freedom. The latter one ranks higher because it rests more on inner competence won through experience. Deprivation of these needs can lead to an inferiority complex, weakness and helplessness.

Self-actualization

 “What a man can be, he must be." This forms the basis of the perceived need for self-actualization. This level of need pertains to what a person's full potential is and realizing that potential. Maslow describes this desire as the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming. This is a broad definition of the need for self-actualization, but when applied to individuals the need is specific. For example one individual may have the strong desire to become an ideal parent, in another it may be expressed athletically, and in another it may be expressed in painting, pictures, or inventions. As mentioned before, in order to reach a clear understanding of this level of need one must first not only achieve the previous needs, physiological, safety, love, and esteem, but master these needs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

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The Money's Important, but it's not Everything!

How do Maslow's ideas translate to the workplace, what we look for in employment, and - in the context of what we at Seltek are engaged in on a daily basis - in the full package of benefits contained in a job offer.

Starting at the bottom of Maslow's hierarchy of needs:

Physiological needs:
Salary, bonus, commission, expenses, car, travel costs, healthcare, luncheon vouchers, pension

Safety needs:
Job security, financial status of the company, backing of a larger group, investment, longevity of the company. Health & safety requirements observed. Comfortable working environment - heat & light.

Love & Belonging:
The character of your boss, your colleagues - you like them! You like going to work to see them! A clearly defined job role. A written job description. Regular appraisals. Team meetings. The chance to participate in decision-making. A social club. Works canteen. Corporate activities. Sports club. Clear sense of corporate identity. Company logo.

Esteem:
Promotion prospects, A career ladder. Training. Clear 'SMART' targets (Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria ), approbation, opportunity to mentor others. Employee of the Year awards.

Self-actualisation:
A job you enjoy, one in which you can grow and develop to the limit of your potential (and no further - avoiding The Peter Principle where (it is said) employees within a hierarchical organisation inevitably rise to their level of incompetence http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Principle).

The point is this: money isn't everything where jobs and job-offers are concerned! Don't just look at 'the big number' when you have to decide whether or not to accept a job-offer. Sure, there has to be enough to cover your basic needs - mortgage/rent, food, costs, plus a bit of beer money. But also look at the whole package including the 'touchy-feely' stuff .I can guarantee that if you've ever had had that Sunday evening/Monday morning sinking feeling, it probably won't be centred on 'O no! I'm not earning enough in my job!' It's much more likely to be related to the people you work with, the work you have to do, the time it takes to get to work, the lack of recognition, and so on.

So, when you're looking for a new job, and you're approaching the final stages of selection, do take the time to explore thoroughly the whole picture, and don't just focus on 'the big number'.

If you want to talk to an impartial party, whether or not you've been introduced to your new opportunity by Seltek, you'd always be welcome to call Guy Buncombe, Co-Founder and Director of Seltek Consultants Ltd on 01279 657716 or email guy@seltekconsultants.co.uk for a confidential chat.

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Work Permits and Catch 22!

We are frequently asked by non-EU citizens to help them find a job in the EU. We explain that a visa or work permit is necessary before this can be accomplished, and that current laws make this exceedingly difficult. Information about how to obtain work permits for the UK can be found here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ but unfortunately, the fact remains that without a job offer, it is very difficult if not impossible to obtain a work permit, and without a work permit it is very difficult if not impossible to obtain a job offer.

The conundrum is a perfect example of 'Catch 22'. For those of you who bandy this term about, but do not know its origin, here's the griff:

Catch-22 is a satirical, historical novel by the American author Joseph Heller. He began writing it in 1953, and the novel was first published in 1961. It is set during World War II in 1943 and is frequently cited as one of the great literary works of the twentieth century. It uses a distinctive non-chronological third person omniscient narration, describing events from different characters' points of view and out of sequence so that the time line develops along with the plot.
The novel follows Captain John Yossarian, a US Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier, and a number of other characters. Most events occur while the Airmen of the fictional 256th squadron are based on the island of Pianosa, in the Mediterranean Sea west of Italy. The phrase "Catch 22”, "a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule, has entered the English Language.

There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he were sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch-22

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Let Joy be Unconfined - the Golf Season is Upon Us!

April 5 - 8th marks the 76th Masters Golf Tournament in America link . This is the first of the four 'major' golf tournaments of the year and for all of us golf enthusiasts it is a harbinger of spring and a long hot summer of golf to look forward to.

This year it is particularly interesting for us Brits as:

Rory McIlroy - World No 1 - has a chance to win the tournament which cruelly eluded him last year link

Rory McIlroy (N.Ireland), Luke Donald (England) and Lee Westwood (England) are the Worlds Number 1-3 link

Seven of the Top 10 players in the World are non-American

Tiger Woods (currently 18th in the World Rankings) has won 14 major championships, chasing Jack Niclaus' all time record of 18, and is returning to form after a fallow period of several years link

Good luck to all of them, and may the best man win!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masters_Tournament

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Hot Jobs

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/gallery/2009/nov/16/sachin-tendulkar-career-highlights

Sachin Tendulkar has become the first human cricketer in all of time and space to score 100 international centuries after his hundred against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in Dhaka.

• At 17 years 107 days he became the second youngest person to score a test century, against England in August 1990
• He became the youngest player to reach 1000 test runs, against South Africa in 1992
• Against Pakistan in 1999, chasing 271 to win, he made 136 in an innings where only one other batsman made more than 10 (India lost)
• In October 2008 he passed Brian Lara's all-time test runs record
• Tendulkar became the first batsman ever to reach 14,000 runs in test cricket
• He is the leading run scorer of all time (15,470 in 311 innings as of 9th January 2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Test_cricket_records )
• On 16th March 2012 he reached his historic 100th test century in the one-day international in the Asia Cup in Dhaka between India and Bangladesh. He made his ton in 138 balls and was later out for 114

Sachin Tendulkar is one of the greatest cricketers of all time, and this house salutes him!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar

However! Hotter than the hot Indian sun that beats down Tendulkar's matchless cricketing brow, are Seltek's Hot Jobs!

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• Summary: A very exciting opportunity has been created within one of the world's leading life science companies due to the recent acquisition of a new technology and the need now to launch this to the European market place. The company has created a new division and is keen to recruit a Product Specialist in Europe to take a leading role in the commercialisation of this innovative technology. The role sits within the marketing group and will involve engaging with key opinion leaders in the UK and Europe to develop interest and excitement for this new technology platform. You will support regional account managers and liaise with marketing and product development to ensure a clear understanding of market perception and reaction to the needs of the market is achieved. You will be expected to develop early adopter sales and support fully the developing sales activity from a commercial perspective.
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: To discuss this rare opportunity to step into a globally recognised company in a high profile position that will likely lead to strong career development opportunities talk to Scott in confidence. Contact Scott Peacock on 01279 657716 or email scott@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  

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£46,000 basic basic salary

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Car, bonus, pension, healthcare

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• Summary: Ultrasound sonographers wanted! We have a great opportunity for you to join a highly respected blue chip company in the medical devices sector as a Sales Applications Specialist: Ultrasound.This role will allow the right candidate to develop and expand a new territory covering Scotland. The purpose of the role will be to provide training and demonstration support to users and potential users of the company’s devices.
  
  
  

• Why you should apply for this job? You will be given full training and support coupled with a hands-off management style to ensure your success. To join a highly innovative market leader in a fast growing team, contact us ASAP. Contact Tom Dolton now for a free, confidential discussion on 01279 657716 or email tom@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  
  
  

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£45,000 basic salary

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• Summary: This role will be home based covering the UK and Scandinavia. You will be supported initially in maintaining current sales and you will be encouraged to develop business further. The company is looking for a purposeful, outgoing person who can keep themselves motivated to work independently and achieve their sales targets. For more information about this exciting opportunity, please call Caroline Searby on 01279 657716 or email caroline@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  
  
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: Do you want to progress your sales career in a company which over the last year has been seizing market share for molecular biology services in Europe? This American life science company has quickly developed a good reputation in Europe for the quality and speed of their services. They now have plans to almost double their global team during this year.
  
  

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• Summary: A leading manufacturer of molecular biology research products dedicated to the forensics research arena is now keen to recruit a Sales Specialist to support and grow its business with the UK and Northern Europe. The role will involve managing a number of high profile forensics customers, developing sales within this area further and engaging with key opinion leaders to identify market trends and future needs. Call us soon to find out more about this position.
  
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: This is an exciting opportunity to join a globally recognised company within the genomic research market which can offer long term career development and training to support you. Contact Scott Peacock on 01279 657716 or email scott@seltekconsultants.co.uk

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• Summary: This company is growing and investing £multi-millions to maintain its competitive edge.You will be visiting and managing key and new accounts so it is expected you will be on the road three days per week. The territory covered is the UK and possibly Ireland, however most of the business in in the Midlands, North UK area. A mix of technical and straight commercial sales is expected as the product range includes commodity ranges through to higher margin speciality products. Please call Jonathan Pearse on 01279 657716 or email Jon@seltekconsultants.co.uk.
  

• Why you should apply for this job: Are you looking for a challenging new chemical sales opportunity? Our client is a major chemicals manufacturer owned by a large international organisation. They are financially stable and able to offer you full support as you will be selling into a wide range of industries which will enable you to build and maintain the broad customer base.

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• Summary : In this role, you will assist and support the sales team with pre- and post-sale technical activities, install instrumentation, train customers and ensure a smooth and rapid start-up for new customers. You will also work closely with sales and marketing to address customer concerns and provide technical support to customers on instrument operation, assay process, and maintenance of company products.
  
  

• Why you should apply for this job: This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly growing molecular diagnostics company as a Field Application Specialist to cover North West France (including Paris). This company has benefited from rapid growth within the last year, and is forecasting further expansion over the next 12 months. This company will offer you excellent career opportunities and the chance to work for an ambitious company that is doing brilliantly within the market place. For more information, please call Kristina Southcott on 01279 657716 or email Kristina@seltekconsultants.co.uk

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• Summary: A leading manufacturer of molecular biology research kits and consumables is keen to recruit an Account Manager in the Oxford and South West region of the UK. The role will involve managing a number of existing accounts in academic, and biotechnology companies predominantly along with generating new business within the region. For more information please call Scott Peacock on 01279 657716 or email scott@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  
  

• Why you should apply for this job: The company has a reputation for innovation and extremely high quality products and are highly regarded by the research community. This is a great opportunity to join a great company in an extremely well looked after territory.

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• Summary:A well respected life science reagents company based in the London area is looking for a Marketing Executive to join their friendly team. Main responsibilities are:
  1. Assisting in the delivery of marketing support services, in line with company expectations, business plans and deadlines. In the absence of the M.D., ensuring that marketing tasks are executed. Liaison & close co-operation with Marketing Assistant to achieve these objectives.
  2. Providing guidance and support to customer communications campaigns; writing or suggesting content for all PR mailers (general or specific).
  3. Briefing, directing and monitoring external agencies or resources used for PR/customer contact campaigns.
  4. Monitoring and reporting on marketing communications targets in terms of cost and effectiveness.
  5. Monitor resellers, contacting them where necessary.
  6. Analysing the effectiveness of marketing communications activities. Providing feedback to M.D. and colleagues regarding the success/outcomes of campaigns.
  7. Managing promotional material and branding.
  8. Managing the evaluation and costing of PR materials and business gifts, in agreement with budgets and guidelines set by M.D.
  9. Attending EU exhibitions, seminars, conferences and other official meetings as required by the M.D.
  10. Responding to feedback from technical department, especially in respect of results from test sample evaluations: generating customer awareness campaigns.
  11. Co-ordinating campaigns and literature between EC, France, Germany, Austria and Nordic territories.
  This role requires marketing experience and ideally a marketing qualification. A science background is not essential however would be an advantage. The roles is office based from West London. Please call Jonathan Pearse on 01279 657716 or email jon@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  
  
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: This company is stable and offers an enjoyable and supportive working environment.
  

Hot Candidates

In praise of Padraig!

Padraig Harrington overjoyed as he shoots a career-best 61 in Florida

Ireland's Padraig Harrington lit up the Transitions Championship in Florida with a course-record 10-under 61, the lowest round of his career.
The three-times major winner started with back-to-back birdies at Innisbrook, finished with three in a row and had five more in between to take one shot off the course record.
Harrington's three closing birdies included a 74ft 11in birdie putt at the 17th, the longest of his US PGA Tour career by almost 10 feet.
Harrington, who had a hole-in-one during the eve-of-tournament pro-am, led by three from the American Will Claxton.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/mar/16/padraig-harrington-us-pga-tour

Probably not as good at golf, but in their own fields, almost certainly as hot as Hazza are Seltek's Hot Candidates!

Scientific Sales & Marketing Division

* Director of Genomic Services * Central England * £85/100K * Ref: 38904

* Business Development Mgr. (PhD Polymer Science) * Live Anywhere! * €85/94K * Ref: 117723

* Service/Support Mgr. (PhD Tech. Business Mgmt.) * Netherlands * €70/90K* Ref: 117724

* Service Manager (B.Eng Electronics) * Southern England * £40K * Ref: 65373

* Sales Representative (Liquid Handling) * Scotland * £39/52K * Ref: 88013

* BDM Europe (PhD Biological Sciences) * Midlands * £39/44K * Ref: 111276

* BDM (Chemicals) * Live Anywhere! * £35/40K * Ref: 97603

* Sales Representative (BSc Biomedical Science) * Live Anywhere! * £35/39K * Ref: 107141

* Technical Sales Specialist (PhD Biomedicine)* Paris, France * €35K * Ref: 117811

* Field Service Engineer (Analytical Insts.) * Live Anywhere! * £30K * Ref: 117798

* Inside Sales (BSc Pharma/Cosmetic Science) * Live anywhere! * £20/25K * Ref: 116795

* Trainee Technical Sales (PhD Microbiology) * Live anywhere! * £20K * Ref: 117573