The hierarchy of needs

The hierarchy of needs is the idea that human motives follow a layered order. According to Maslow, higher-level pursuits do not come to the fore until basic needs are met; a hungry person must postpone the question of meaning. The model was later criticized and shown not to be a rigid ladder, but it is still a useful map in coaching. Asking which layer the client is struggling in clarifies the direction. Sometimes the matter is not motivation but an unmet foundation.