Three trainers of the minor accompanied Jean Paul to Chateau St.Gerlach. The Irish-born Peter McSweeney talked about cross cultural management and gave the Dutch audience an outside perspective on its culture: 'For me the Dutch Culture is to wear orange and celebrate the Royal Family'. A culture is 'the way we do things around here', Peter explained. Important is to ask yourself: Who are you, who am I and how are we connected? This can be better understood with the theories of cultural differences guru's like professor Geert Hofstede. Hofstede's cultural dimensions can give an insight in the differences of cultures.Anne-Maartje Oud and Bud Rellum talked about protocol and the relevance of it to at all kinds of meetings. Bud Rellum was the protocol officer of the Dutch Prime-minister. He also worked all around the world for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bud: 'Protocol is about managing expectations, make sure this is for both parties in balance'. Anne-Maartje Oud is a coach in personal effectiveness. She makes people aware of their behavior and how it affects other people. 'Authenticity has never been more important', she explained.The much-awaited fourth book in the Du Lac Chronicles could be read as a stand-alone novel but to really understand the complex web of relationships I recommend starting with the first book. You also need to brace yourself for some brutal action, as even by Du Lac standards, this has more than its share - from the first page to the last. The strength of this series is the link back to ancient legends which form a tantalising backdrop as we learn a little more with each book. I particularly like the development of secondary characters, although I must warn readers not to get too fond of any of them!
