Proclaimer
LANZ is responsible for the content of this website and does its utmost to display all information correctly and completely. Is something not correct or is something not working properly? Then let me know and send me an email. I would like to search together for a good solution.
BOFfertjes at Work: What we can learn from children about leadership.
What if work could be more fun, lighter, and more effective? Read the story of how a young entrepreneur and eight children brought a mini pancake dream (poffertjesdroom) to life – and in doing so, unintentionally created the ultimate form of management. A system where everyone becomes a BOFfertje — Dutch for “a lucky one.”
What can we learn from this?
The 5 Management Principles of the BOFfertjes Factory – and the lessons everyone can apply.
1. Self-organization is more powerful than control
- The children divided tasks among themselves, with no formal leader.
- They switched roles when something didn’t feel right or wasn’t a good fit.
- They asked for help when things got tough – without shame.
Management Lesson: Give teams the space to organize themselves. Provide a clear mission, but allow the execution to emerge organically.
2. Leading means facilitating, not directing
- The son kept an overview, observed, and only stepped in when needed.
- Meanwhile, he could relax – trust was central.
Management Lesson: The best leaders are present without taking over. They make sure the system runs, not that they run everything.
Everbody's a Leader
3. Everyone is a Leader
- Each child felt responsible for the whole.
- Roles were temporary and shifted based on group initiative.
- There was no hierarchy, only shared ownership.
Management Lesson: Create a culture where everyone is allowed and encouraged to lead — even if only for a moment.
4. Mistakes Are Allowed, Experimenting Is a Must
- They learned by doing.
- If something didn’t work, they simply tried a different approach.
Management Lesson: Make space for playful learning. Encourage experimentation over perfection.
5. Work Should Be Fun (and That’s Okay)
- There was laughter, jumping, and improvisation.
- The atmosphere was relaxed, creative, and collaborative.
Management Lesson: Fun is not a luxury — it’s a productivity booster.
Ready to Get Started?
Build your own BOFfertjes Factory with your team or organization.
- Join the 6-week self-managing program
- Read the book of the same name
- Get in touch for an inspiring conversation
Get in touch
BOFfertjes
factory
.now
Lanz Organisatie & Advies BV
Van Pallandtstraat 45
NL • 6814 GN Arnhem
+31 (0)6 2096 3032
alex@lanz.org
lanz.org
KvK Arnhem: 50588664
BTW: NL 8228 22623 B01