How Do We Form Core Values

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

What are Values?

Values, by definition, are a set of beliefs or opinions that shape how you live your day-to-day life. They are ideas that are important to you personally and characterize who you are as an individual. Values play an important role in shaping how you respond to situations and how you set goals. Everyone has values. Some individuals clearly define their values while others do not. Either way, values are there and plainly demonstrated by personal as well as sometimes actions within a group.   

Uniting Maslowe’s Hierarchy of Needs and Dr. David Logan’s Tribal Leadership Model

In our quest for personal growth, professional success, and social harmony, understanding and embracing core values is vital. Core values represent the fundamental principles that guide individuals and groups in making decisions, shaping behavior, and building relationships. In this blog, we will explore the synthesis of two powerful models: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Dr. Dave Logan’s Tribal Leadership Model. These models provide invaluable insights into human behavior and group dynamics, shedding light on the significance of core values in our lives.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow, a renowned psychologist, developed the Hierarchy of Needs, a theory that outlines the different levels of human needs that must be satisfied for individuals to reach their full potential. The pyramid-shaped hierarchy consists of five levels:

1. Physiological Needs: These are the basic requirements for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. Until these needs are met, individuals remain primarily focused on fulfilling them.
2. Safety Needs: Once physiological needs are met, people seek safety and security in their environment. This includes financial stability, physical safety, and protection from harm.
3. Love and Belongingness: With safety assured, individuals desire social connections, love, and a sense of belonging. This level emphasizes relationships and community.
4. Esteem Needs: After belongingness, people seek recognition, respect, and a positive self-image. Esteem needs are essential for fostering confidence and self-worth.
5. Self-Actualization: At the pinnacle of the pyramid lies self-actualization, where individuals strive to achieve their full potential, pursuing personal growth, creativity, and fulfillment.

Dr. Dave Logan’s Tribal Leadership Model

David Logan is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Management Consultant.

While personal and business values may sometime conflict, personal values almost always prevail. Building upon the foundation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Dr. Dave Logan introduced the Tribal Leadership Model, which focuses on the power of groups and their collective values. According to this model, individuals operate within tribes or social circles, and each tribe possesses a distinct set of values and behavior patterns. Logan categorizes tribes into five stages:

1. Stage One – Life sucks: Tribes at this stage exhibit a prevailing negative attitude, often feeling stuck and disempowered. They resist change and operate with a victim mindset.
2. Stage Two – My life sucks: In this stage, individuals focus on their personal struggles and frustrations, distancing themselves from collective goals.
3. Stage Three – I’m Great (and you’re not): Tribes in this stage prioritize individual achievements, seeking recognition and status over collaboration.
4. Stage Four – We’re great (and they’re not): At this stage, tribal members emphasize teamwork and collaboration. They recognize the value of collective efforts.
5. Stage Five – Life is great: The highest stage embodies a sense of purpose and shared core values, where individuals unite for a common mission beyond self-interests.

The Synergy: Aligning Maslow’s Hierarchy with Tribal Leadership

The two models share a complementary relationship, illustrating the significance of core values in shaping both individual development and group dynamics. As individuals progress through Maslow’s hierarchy, they are more likely to operate at higher stages of the Tribal Leadership Model.

For instance, meeting physiological and safety needs enables individuals to move beyond survival mode (Stage One) and focus on building relationships (Stage Three) and achieving collective goals (Stage Four). By attaining self-actualization (Maslow’s top level), individuals can better contribute to tribes operating at Stage Five, where a shared sense of purpose and core values drive positive transformation.

What Happens When Individuals Do Not Fit into These Models?

Despite the significance of these models, it’s essential to recognize that not every individual will perfectly fit into these frameworks. Human beings are complex, and their experiences and journeys are diverse. Some reasons why individuals might not align with these models include:

1. Trauma and Crisis: Individuals who have experienced trauma or are currently facing crises might be predominantly focused on lower-level needs, preventing them from operating at higher stages.
2. Cultural Differences: Core values and priorities can vary significantly across cultures and societies, influencing the extent to which people emphasize individuality or collective efforts.
3. Personal Circumstances: Life circumstances, such as disabilities, health conditions, or economic hardships, can impact an individual’s ability to progress through the hierarchy or engage fully in tribal dynamics.
4. Psychological Factors: Personal beliefs, fears, and mental health conditions can influence an individual’s behavior, priorities, and participation in group activities.

Conclusion

Understanding core values through the lens of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Dr. Dave Logan’s Tribal Leadership Model offers profound insights into human behavior and group dynamics. By acknowledging the synergy between these models, we realize that fostering core values not only enhances individual growth and self-actualization but also strengthens the fabric of our communities and organizations.

However, it is essential to embrace the diversity and complexities of individuals, recognizing that not everyone will neatly fit into these models. By supporting each other’s unique journeys and experiences, we can cultivate a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and genuine respect for the core values that enrich our lives and unite us as one interconnected global tribe.

If you enjoy articles from The Active Professional, please take a minute to like and share with your Social Media contacts so they can enjoy them as well.  Thank you for your support as we strive to encourage, educate and support