Landmark Forum Leaders Speak Out - Part Four: Motivation In The Workplace

The following quotes are taken from an English translation of an interview with Ria Bauhofer, a Landmark Forum leader who lives in the Netherlands, conducted by the Dutch human resources magazine Intermediair PW.

According to Bauhofer, Landmark Education seeks to create more opportunities for success in business for organizations and individuals, including greater job satisfaction.

“Every serious manager should be interested in such things,” said Bauhofer. “Often when I talk to people I get the impression that they compare motivation with a hamster running faster in its wheel. That’s not what I consider motivation to be. It’s not just about doing things faster. It’s about being called upon and committed. Motivation means that you create opportunities that inspire you and consequently support all you do, think, feel and say.”

“In the Landmark Forum I recognised that I didn’t give my love to other people in order to protect myself. Later I came to the conclusion that loving other people was of greater value than preventing being harmed by them. Every time I wake up, I‘m aware that I’m blessed to share love and care.”

“The most important thing in motivating people is communication,” Bauhofer continues. “You have to be aware of their commitment, to know what they do on ‘autopilot’ and what they want to create for themselves. Of course you meet resistance; people always have resistance, so did I. But I don’t focus on resistance; I focus on things people want to achieve. Every professional manager should be interested in this.”

“The participants in the Landmark Forum never join in based on what we say, but choose for themselves. And it’s always based on the recommendation of someone they rely on; a colleague, friend or family member. Every company would be jealous on the huge word of mouth promotion that we receive. I myself was highly touched by what is achievable for people. That’s the very reason why I moved back from Germany – where I did the course - to Holland. I wanted this type of education to also be offered here."

“Here’s a final ‘Golden tip’ on workplace motivation: The most important issue on the work floor is not what you tell people, but which starting point you chose. When I approach the employee based on solidarity, they know that I want them to win and be successful.”