John H. Denhalter II Chief Doug Moriarty Fire Management April 14, 2014 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and How It Relates to the Fire Service Maslow's theory is simple: if your basic needs are met, you will strive to reach your next level of need. As you achieve human needs, you will desire greater needs until you achieve self-realization or transcendence. In this article I will first discuss Maslow's theory and the different levels of achievement. As well as the changes made to his theory in the 1970s. I will talk about grouping these outcomes and placing them in the hierarchy of needs. Second, we'll talk about how Maslow's theory motivates and how we use it in our careers. Finally, I'll talk about how this theory fits into firefighters. I will also show how to use it as a motivational tool as a manager. In my conclusion I will discuss the differences we can achieve by simply following this motivation platform to create more motivated firefighters. Maslow's original theory spoke of a pyramid shape of results that every person unconsciously strives to achieve. The lowest level is represented by physiological needs such as food, water, shelter and warmth. As we move up the pyramid, security is security (money), stability, and freedom from fear. These two lower sections of the pyramid are known as the basic needs because everyone on earth needs these basic needs to move to the next level of the pyramid. The next level is belonging/love needs consisting of friends, family, spouse, or lover. From here on your basic needs are very helpful in achieving your next needs, self-esteem which includes achievement, mastery, recognition and respect. Finally there is your need for self-actualization where ... middle of paper ... mentors and mentors and I have decided who I would like to work for and what I would like to become one day. I take different lessons and motivations from each of my leaders and have developed my own method of motivation over time. Observing so many different styles of motivation, from “figure it out yourself” to “watch over you like a hawk,” and everything in between has given me the skills to motivate someday somewhere in between. The other skills I have acquired over time by observing others concern the different methods needed to motivate each person individually. One thing I have learned that will remain true as I motivate as a manager is that positive reinforcement will keep your employee motivated. In closing I would just like to say that although there may be some holes in Maslow's theory, it is a great way to motivate and manage your employees.