Organised by the British Chamber of Commerce and kindly hosted by the Luxembourg School of Business, this recent event was a dynamic exploration of trust in professional environments. Elisa Jensen opened the session on behalf of the LSB, while Claudia Neumeister, Vice Chair of the British Chamber, welcomed attendees with the insightful reminder that “trust comes in on a donkey, and leaves on a racehorse,” setting the tone for a thought-provoking and interactive morning.
Joshua Dhillon of JNB provided a thoughtful overview of the key elements that build and sustain trust, while Donald Venkatapen of Venkatapen Legal illustrated its importance through compelling real-life legal case studies. These examples highlighted how trust—or its absence—can profoundly impact organisational dynamics and outcomes.
The highlight of the event was an interactive workshop led by Virginia Anderson from Matrix Consulting, focusing on “The Four Horsemen of Toxicity.” Participants acted out the four toxins—Stonewalling, Blame, Defensiveness, and Contempt—allowing them to viscerally experience these destructive behaviors. Thankfully, antidotes were provided in the form of actionable strategies to foster dialogue and defuse negativity. The candid discussions that followed demonstrated how deeply these lessons resonated with attendees and inspired them to reflect on their own practices.
The session concluded on a heartwarming note with Dr. Keith Amoss donning a Santa Claus outfit and delighting participants with chocolates, ensuring the event ended with smiles and a festive spirit.
This gathering served as a powerful reminder of the importance of trust in fostering healthy workplace relationships. It left attendees with practical tools and renewed commitment to creating environments where trust can thrive.
Written by Claudia Neumeister
Luxdates & BCC Vice-Chair and People and Leadership group member
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