The motivation behind the initiative
‘Humanity Matters’ is a combination of Nicolaas’s self-analysis, thoughts, and observations. He always wanted to do something, which would be 100% his own initiative. Nicolaas always loved to learn by observing, and from all these learnings that he has gathered, he wanted to put that into practice. This is how, he thought of putting all his practices into ‘Humanity Matters’, and this is how it was created.
What is ‘Humanity Matters’ all about?
The main vision of ‘Humanity Matters’ is to assist Management in strengthening the (hotel’s) Human Resources assets by focusing on proper internal communication. The first working title was ‘Heart Management’ or ‘Management from the Heart’. But, what does that mean? It is not that easy to understand.
Nicolaas narrowed it down by creating the 4C-concept to explain ‘Heart Management’ and turned it into a workshop. The workshop of ‘Humanity Matters’ is based on his 4C-concept which encompasses Courtesy, Cordiality, Clarity in Communication, and Competence. But how does this 4C-concept help? It helps in eliminating stress, reducing staff absenteeism and/or fluctuation, betterment of the internal communication, and competence.
The result being improved motivation, authenticity in executing tasks, and a stronger sense of belonging. A positive energy will manifest itself. All this will be noticed also by external interlocutors and at long last will bring better results as tasks will be performed in a relaxed yet disciplined manner.
‘Humanity Matters’ definitely makes the lives of others easier
For instance, in today’s Hotel business, proper Human Resources and Communication management are extremely important. Be it presently or in the future, it is just very important for all things operational. One can apply the 4C-concept in daily operational needs and tap into the positive energy that ‘Humanity Matters’ creates. Staff are ready to give you service anytime anywhere, effortless.
Nicolaas makes it available to all, regardless of the position one holds, so that the team is forged like cast iron because of the one-size-fits-all approach. When Nicolaas’ clients embrace the 4C-concept and carry it forward to apply it in their work areas, then their success is Nicolaas’ satisfaction. The 4C-concept can be presented in Dutch, English, French, German, and Italian.
Challenges and struggles Nicolaas faced during this
At the beginning of his career, he had to face a few struggles. He has been put to tests in many situations. He needed to get accustomed to various cultural situations, adapting to those different environments whilst working in different regions. He kept in mind one thing which is that he must never lose his identity. But, according to him, frankly there were not many challenges and struggles as such. The only challenge is when you have to stick to your own values and stay steady on certain things. This is a great learning all together.
When asked, how he deals with challenges and struggles, he has a very simple mantra in life which is “always keep going.” In case things are not working, then there are always some ways around a situation that will work out. There are always choices that can be made. Always remember ‘keep going is the key.’
His ideology
The ideology of ‘Humanity Matters’, is being known globally and is not at all used for any political or religious purposes. When it comes to life’s ideology, we should always take responsibility for one’s own actions. It is very important to increase personal and professional development to master stress. Be true to yourself.
Life before ‘Humanity Matters’
Before Nicolaas started ‘Humanity Matters’, he was determined to establish his career. He had a life goal, making a good career, and he was climbing the ladder to achieve that. With determination.
It is now that he realizes that it is because of all those experiences, impressions, and choices that he learnt the value of life, and he handled all the life crises in a way as graceful as possible. He will forever be grateful for those times, as they taught him a great deal.
How important was job in his life?
Having a job for Nicolaas was very crucial as it helped him to climb the ladder, professionally as well as in life. With the job, he got the urge to move around, work in a professional way and learnt several languages. When you are working independently, then you are working only for yourself. You have freedom, as you have no one to report to other than yourself. But both work situations matter a lot for self-development.
His mentors who helped him to shape his career
According to Nicolaas, he was accompanied his whole career life by Mr. Heinz Strobl. Mr. Heinz is now retired. He went very high in the hierarchy of Inter-Continental Hotel. Nicolaas’s parents have been a great support and advisor in his entire life. He also learns a lot from his two sons. He never feels shy to learn from younger people, and his two sons teach him a lot about many things.
Childhood Life
He was born Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He was raised in the coastal area of Haarlem, a city west of Amsterdam. His schooling was in Haarlem. His Military Service also in the Netherlands, and his professional training was at the Hotel School Salzburg, Austria. There were 1 brother and 2 sisters. He is the youngest one. His brother left for his heavenly abode in 2014.
His journey in establishing ‘Humanity Matters’
He became GM in the year 1993, in Brussels, Belgium. His journey started from then. At that time, he was climbing his ladder towards his dreams, and it is then that he started to realize that a day will come when he needs to do something for himself, something for the betterment of society. As an independent. This is how the idea of ‘Humanity Matters’ came to his mind, and he formed it. He always believed that a manager should do his homework diligently by making his/her team his/her priority and get to know them well. This is how the idea of the 4C-concept came to him, and he started to shape it. Thus, the 4C-concept became the motto of ‘Humanity Matters’.
His inspiration towards ‘Humanity Matters’ as a movement
He always believes that ‘Humanity Matters’ is a movement, and it would not have been possible if there were no proper inspiration behind this. Before starting this, he also participated in 1-2 spiritual retreats which gave him a very pleasant feeling about applying management from the heart. This ‘Heart management’ theory helped Nicolaas to form ‘Humanity Matters.’ The basic inspiration was to start something which will directly and in a simple way touch the heart of others. We should always look and understand ways that will help us culturally, spiritually, and commercially. Tourism and gastronomy are also very important in this.
His next 5 years plans
He wants to make ‘Humanity Matters’ a global movement in the most positive way. He would love to engage more people with this simple ideology which is simple as it is positive. His motto is ‘Sow the seeds, and let them bloom.’
Achievements till date
He is still understanding and learning his journey. Until he realises, that he has gained important knowledge, no award or accolade will matter to him. For him, getting an opportunity to interact with different people and learning from them is the best accolade. Nicolaas’s truest achievement will be when he will be able to say, ‘I have done this, and that person is now more successful.’ This will give him lifetime satisfaction.
He is a true inspiration and leader in every possible way. When asked him about tips to have a confidence like him, he smiled and said, ‘Have clarity in communication and Humanity Matters on your menu, daily’
