Adapting to Change: A Modern Take on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs - Heidi Steiger
In a world of constant disruption - technological, economic, and social - our ability to adapt is one of our most valuable assets. Change is not something we encounter once in a while; it’s ongoing, infinite. To lead effectively, we need a mindset that embraces this reality and helps us navigate it with confidence and purpose.
Why I Use Maslow’s Hierarchy to Talk About Change
As a board director, coach, and lifelong learner, I often return to foundational models to make sense of complex dynamics. One of my favorites is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs - not just as a personal development tool, but as a lens for understanding relevance and adaptability in leadership.
In today’s world, change is not optional. Relevance is tied to how open, curious, and flexible we are in adapting to new challenges - whether that’s in our industry, our teams, or the problems we’re solving. The hierarchy helps us remember that once our basic needs are met, the next level is about growth: about staying in motion, learning, evolving.
In this brief reflection, I share how that framework helps guide my thinking and coaching conversations.
“I like to use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a way to talk about why change is so important.
When you think about that pyramid, once you’ve covered the basics - safety, stability, belonging - the next layer is about growth. And in the context of leadership and work, that growth is tied to relevance and adaptability.
So, how do we stay relevant? By thinking about infinite change. How can you stay open and flexible in response to new circumstances - shifts in your industry, evolving relationships with colleagues, or the changing nature of the problems you’re trying to solve?
If you’re constantly assessing what you need to do to keep up with all of that, it trickles down. It affects what actions you take and how those actions impact the stakeholders and people you interact with every day.
Adaptability is not just a skill - it’s a leadership mindset.”
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