paraDIGMA groep Organizes Different Thinking Symposium: Cirque de Motivation

An employer must pursue the happiness of employees. This is the only way to increase responsibility and commitment. And things like free fruit in the office is a prerequisite for job satisfaction. Right? Not if you ask Rudo Vissers, founder of paraDIGMA groep. The annual Anders Denken Symposium had this time the theme Cirque de Motivation at a fitting location; the AFAS Circustheater in The Hague. Attendees were challenged to break through usual boundaries and let go of traditional views. Several speakers showed how owning and creating motivation can play a role in shaping the future. You can read more about it in this piece.

Jugglers and acrobats

The symposium began with a spectacular circus-style opening act. Including acrobatics, exhibition act, jugglers and a rhӧnrad-turner. Peter Kruissen, CEO of paraDIGMA groep, provided the opening remarks. Then Alex Sijm was the first of the four speakers and kicked off with a presentation on living your dream. From a young age, he fantasized about a future as a circus director. But his dyslexia and walking difficulties due to a spasm did not make it any easier to realize his dream. He had to readjust his life due to the rare disease hereditary spastic paraparesis. However, he did not let himself get off the hook and built a thriving business. With the right motivation and mindset, he got further than other people thought possible.

Throw the structure overboard (once)

Afterwards, GP and street doctor Michelle van Tongerloo explained the importance of good care for homeless people, addicts and people without valid residence permits. And why it is so difficult to really provide good care. According to her, it has to do with the structures we create within the care system. How to improve this? Michelle emphasized that change starts with yourself. Something that often leads to uncertainty. But the poignant story of one of her patients showed the urgency and this motivates her every day. She founded the Lekker Geven Foundation to financially support her work. And thus be able to offer help faster to people in difficult situations. She now receives weekly requests from health care providers and community organizations. Just goes to show how far you can get when you are intrinsically motivated.

Ephemeral happiness versus meaningfulness

Dai Carter, known from the TV show Camp van Koningsbrugge, then mapped out the components mental strength consists of. Dai served the Royal Dutch Army for thirteen years, went on missions to conflict areas and learned a lot of life lessons. He made this clear by coming on stage with a heavy backpack, which symbolized the experience he carried with him. He also discussed the difference between momentary happiness and meaning and how work affects this. Being truly motivated is what it's all about.

Doctor's advice: come when you're not sick

The final speaker of the evening was Rudo Vissers, founder of paraDIGMA groep. He took the audience through the meaning of motivation for him. He also discussed the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and what the role of meaning is on this. Rudo believes that employers should inspire their employees for renewed intrinsic motivation. You do this every day. You brush your teeth every day, don't you? The role of the company doctor was also discussed. Rudo is convinced that the majority of absenteeism has no medical cause. He held up a mirror to the audience, filled with HR professionals, executives and board members; it never ceased to amaze him that organizations massively call in the company doctor when an employee is absent and motivated them to look at things differently. Want to hear more about this presentation or watch it back?

Healthy portion of motivation

Of course employee happiness is important. And no one gets worse from eating free apples in the workplace. But the most important job of the employer? Make sure employees are intrinsically motivated because they are doing meaningful work and not punished like Sisyphus. Don't cling frenetically to bonuses or healthy(er) sandwiches in the cafeteria. Because feeling good about yourself and going to work motivated is healthy.