Needs

Needs models | Individual needs | So what?

What are needs? Needs are a kind of natural mental programming that make us want things. They essentially motivate us into action as a stimulated need leads to the inner tension that drives us into action.

Needs models

There are a number of theories and models of motivation that have been proposed, including:

Maslow's Hierarchy of needs is one of the best known descriptions of needs. It not only identifies five basic needs--it also shows how higher needs are not considered until lower-level needs are met.
Murray's Needs are a longer list of needs identified by Henry A. Murray in 1938.
Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory was proposed in the 1960s.
Kano's Needs were defined in 1984 with regard to customers, but are very relevant to all people.
Alderfer's ERG Theory reduced Maslow's hierarchy to three key needs in 1972.
McClelland's Acquired Needs Theory is also a three-need model.
Mumford's needs are four basic needs of workers.
Glasser's five needs are similar to Maslow's, but include fun!
Self-Determination Theory: Autonomy, relatedness, competence.
Spitzer's eight desires: A recent collation.
Max-Neef needs: Another recent list.
Packard's eight hidden needs: That advertisers target.
The needs of children: And the responsibility of parents.
Eight need domains: Where other needs may be found.
Unique to this website is the CIN model, which identifies three fundamental needs, plus the underpinning needs which seek to satisfy these. These are aligned closely with and lead to the satisfaction of basic evolutionary needs.
Career Anchors: What drives you to particular careers.
Yalom's ultimate concerns: Deep troubles we need to avoid.

Another useful view of needs is to understand the priorities of and differences between needs, wants and likes, and hence find where to focus your efforts and identify potential trade-offs.

Individual needs

If you want to get to descriptions of individual needs, here is a full list of needs that have more detailed descriptions available:

So what?

You can leverage needs in two ways, stimulating or satisfying them.

Stimulate needs

The simplest way of stimulating needs is to make them visible. Show people what they have not got. Show them the future, and how their needs might be met. If you have the power, you can even take things away from them (or just threaten to do so).

Satisfy needs