The Shape of Water: On Fundamental Needs

The Shape of Water.

A modern-day love story of the most unexpected kind.

An anthem for equality.

In a classified research facility, a janitor discovers a connection with a unique creature being held against its will.

Stunning in its execution. The nostalgic 60’s cold war backdrop. The Gothic, visual tribute hailing to old Hollywood. The acting, casting, directing, sweeping musical score; all masterfully executed in service to the story. And what a story it is. Gift wrapped and delivered in the iconic, signature style exclusively Guillermo del Toro’s.

Four Oscars, including Best Picture.

As to the story itself: a powerful metaphor for the fundamental human needs universal to all of us. Del Toro—through the unique connection of our two Protagonists—offers not only a bold metaphor against prejudice, but a challenge to search for it within ourselves.

Richard Strickland, our Antagonist, embodies countless prejudices. While the scope of these being assigned to one actor would threaten on caricature, actor Michael Shannon brilliantly portrays the very worst of humanity. His is an effective, believable, authentic performance; judge this by your growing detestation of him—and the values he embodies—as the movie progresses.

The best stories leave us contemplating their message—reflecting on the experience long after the curtain is drawn. It is possible The Shape of Water is unmatched in doing so among its contemporaries—its powerful themes of universal human needs, of detesting prejudice in every form, and the transcendence of what connects us over the triviality of what divides us—deeply resonate.

These fundamental needs affect every life. They extend to your organization as well.

Let’s explore them.

Above: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs; “A Theory of Human Motivation.”— Psychological Review. 1943.

Maslow’s Hierarchy is a map of human behavioral motivation. Each need must be met before ascending to the next.

#5: Physiological.

In life:

Food, warmth, rest, shelter.

In your organization:

Basic necessities. Break room, well ventilated air, clean facilities, proper lighting, access to food/drink. If you’re getting this wrong, punch yourself in the face—or let your team do it for you. They’ll want to—and you’ll deserve it. Open up the company coffers. Soda, coffee, tea, etc. This minimal gesture has excellent impact on morale.

#4: Safety.

In life:

Law, order, protection, security.

In your organization:

A non-hostile work environment is mandatory. A safe, secure workplace. Leaders, this one is critical to you: team members first filter trust in an organization through the lens of you. A trustworthy, empathetic leader is the most important resource for any colleague. If you are not a champion for your team, you are not leading.

#3: Love/belonging.

In life:

Friendship, intimacy, affection, acceptance.

In your organization:

Unite your team; fuel cohesion. Commit group recreational time during traditional work hours—this shows you mean it. Create opportunities. Brainstorming, mentoring, team building, activities at work; optional activities outside of work—each interpersonal connection strengthens your team. The stronger the team, the more impactful the results.

#2: Esteem.

In life:

Independence, achievement, status, self-confidence.

In your organization:

Recognition. Rewards. Modest, high frequency recognition is much more valuable than a once-a-year epic splash. Weekly recognition keeps morale up. Making recognition a habit doesn’t just increase culture—it adds a new pillar of strength to your organization.

#1: Self-actualization.

In life:

Self-fulfillment; peak performance. Realization of one’s full potential.

In your organization:

This is the level colleagues reach when all prior needs are satisfied. This is the ultimate goal. These are your Rockstars. Engage them fully. They are given leadership roles. They are given opportunities to advance. They are given raises without asking. They function as mentors. They model the values and see their work not as a job—but as a cause. Let them.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Powerful for your organization. Powerful for your life.

________

Does your culture feed positive attributes? Are there areas where needs are exceptionally met? Exceptionally unmet?

The Hierarchy offers a roadmap for increasing engagement. Put the steps to action. They will fuel growth. They will fuel engagement. They will fuel culture. They will get results.

__________

A final thought on The Shape of Water: there is a kindness to this film. A warmth that compels the viewer to not just acknowledge prejudice—but to seek it out. To eradicate it. To do our part in reshaping a world rich with inequality.

To acknowledge and respect fundamental human needs. And to remove prejudice—in every form—entirely from the human condition.

Mark Joseph Huckabee