Open up any textbook or website discussing motivational theories and its practically guaranteed that listed up at the top will be Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow’s is what we call a seminal theory, meaning the theory broke new ground when first published in 1943 and has been hugely influential ever since. Furthermore, it has stood the test of time, continuing to guide motivational researchers and practitioners for almost 80 years. Reasons for the popularity of Maslow’s are well-established, but I think there’s another reason. Maslow’s Hierarchy is both intuitive and yet helps explain so much that may otherwise seem like a mystery. I’ll show you what I mean, but before I do, a quick primer.