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What companies are doing to manage the "assholes" rotting the lives of other employees? They have their eyes on their economic performance, they advocate the dynamism and innovation to develop, but they show very little "attentive to these toxic personalities", who happen to be an unnecessary cost but very real for their s Finance boxes?

Deliberately provocative, "Target Zero asshole," the book by Robert Sutton, professor of management at Stanford, in any case a fixed cap at which leaders would be wise to look at things in front. "The assholes are costs that do not appear in cost accounting, but take stock of their damage is not so difficult," he says.

Robert Sutton, it is urgent to act because "they swarm." "All companies should adopt the Target Zero asshole because these people inflict considerable damage to their direct victims, organizational performance, but also to themselves." Increased stress and risk of heart attack among those who are victims, increased absenteeism and surge in turnover. Professor Stanford has even delivered a calculation of what costs such as employees at a company: it comes to adding a "for asshole" of $ 160,000 per year!

But what to do to achieve this "Goal Zero asshole"? Here are five recipes by Robert Sutton.

• Choose the right people. Assuming that "hire other assholes assholes," Robert Sutron, suggests that they deviate from the recruitment process or to involve also "civilized people".

• Identify employees pourrisseurs room and spend their time bully and harass others. To achieve Robert Sutton has listed what he called "their twelve nasties" daily. There are pell-mell "personal insults", "threats or intimidation," "humiliation or public reprimands," "hypocritical attacks" ….

• Limit their power to harm. For example by reducing the hierarchical boundaries or too large wage differentials that give them a sense of power and feel like superstars.

• Protect yourself. "The best and safest way is to keep you as far as possible from people and places contaminated by the virus," writes Robert Sutton. If this is impossible, since it's boss that he is only one solution: change the box.

• Be careful not to become "asshole" self. Robert Sutton, we are all "assholes" in power. Then you try not to treat colleagues as competitors and build instead a "win-win exchanges at work."

Obviously the method advocated by Robert Sutton has found its audience. Published for the first time in the United States in 2007, he has sold over 475,000 copies (all languages). It has just been reissued, proof that there is still work to overcome the assholes at the office.

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Family businesses are then threw in the presidential campaign. The ASMEP-ETI, the union of midsize (250 to 5000 employees) and property, chaired by Yvon Gattaz, this ten proposals to improve their competitiveness. "Our companies need time to create sustainable jobs. As they need time to grow and impose global brands, "says Philippe d'Ornano, vice president of ETI-organizing ASMEP Thursday at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris the grand prize of business and family heritage. "Therefore it is vital to promote their transmission. This is what allows the covenants Dutreil. Do not touch! "

These covenants have been established to promote the transfer of family businesses. The entrpreneurs plead for them to be "safe havens and improved, by exempting EWB and inheritance tax at 95% – instead of 75% currently – securities held as part of a commitment to conservation." They demand that business leaders can more easily prepare their succession. Specifically, a contractor must be able to transmit his company while remaining at the helm paydayloans.

While bank financing will be scarce, the ASMEP-ETI wants to create a bond market dedicated to midsize. The union also argues for the establishment of a large department of business on the model of Sustainable Development established in 2007. This would be a profound change of working methods of the state since the new department would under the responsibility of industry, SMEs, credit mediation, foreign trade and vocational training. It would exercise supervision over the Deposit, the Strategic Investment Fund (51% subsidiary of the Caisse des Depots), OSEO, the Directorate of Planning (Datar).

In social terms, the union plans to encourage the employment of older workers by exempting pension contributions and unemployment wages of older workers who continue working after reaching the required contribution period. This measure is also advocated by the Federation of German family businesses.

Unicredit closed Tuesday, piteously, the ball of the annual results of European banks. As expected, the first Italian establishment has suffered a massive loss of over € 9 billion. After years of too-rapid expansion, the bank decided to move his record to steel wool, to "have no surprises in the future," according to Director General, Federico Ghizzoni. This momentary dip of Unicredit in the shallows of the European ranking – the institution displays the worst performance of the sector just after Dexia – illustrates the new hierarchy of banks.

2011 will remain above all marked by the sharp inflection, from the summer, the crisis in the euro area. Institutions of the countries attacked – Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Greece of course – all bear the scars. They charged a double shock: degradation of their national sovereign debt and recession in their economies against the backdrop of austerity. In this grim context, the first two Spanish banks, Santander and BBVA, have their own in the game With their exposure to emerging markets, they show profits down "only" 35% to 5.4 billion and 3 billion euros, despite a national real estate market devastated.

The challenge of regulation

Second great lesson of the banking hierarchy 2011: the resistance of so-called universal institutions, which rely on local networks, possibly spread over several countries, and financing activities and investment. The success of British giant HSBC and Standard Chartered, whose results have respectively increased by 28% and 12% in one year, illustrates this situation. The resilience of the French BNP Paribas, proud of its profit more than 6 billion euros and its three major European networks, is another variation. Conversely, the Swiss UBS and Credit Suisse, highly dependent on performance of their teams of traders and bankers, driving out of this year huge market turmoil. Their profits were down 44% and 62%.

The challenge of regulation

Deutsche Bank is a notable exception: despite its similar profile, the champion Frankfurt has completed a very successful year. Up 86% year on year, the result exceeds 4 billion euros. Market valuations of the front runners as broadly these capabilities beneficiaries. HSBC leads the pack with a value of 122 billion euros, while Santander, BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank weigh respectively 58, 45 and 36 billion in stock.

If Dexia puts the finishing touch of color to the landscape reshaped by the financial crisis. The little French-Belgian bank, run contrary to common sense for years, has lost 11.6 billion euros in 2011. A disaster that financial regulators do not want to hear. To guard against this, they launched a vast banks race to the recapitalization, which will mobilize the entire sector in 2012.

"Reconciling candidates and companies …" This is the purpose of the First Assembly of recruitment has organized last week Syntec recruitment consultancy. Dehumanization of the hiring process, operation of private data via social networks, growing constraints imposed by government on behalf of diversity … Executives, HR recruiters and exchanged ideas on these topics. "From these discussions will come from a series of forthcoming proposals," promised John Paul Brette, union president and CEO of Hudson.

The "CV citizen" will surely in part. Jointly launched in January by Syntec recruitment consultancy and association Odissée, this CV adds value to the charitable commitments, humanitarian, outside work. A student doing the tutoring, a mother president of an association of parents, a key company invested in a think-tank

. First act of management

"This kind of commitment can develop transferable skills in the workplace. The job applicants are not sufficiently aware of the highlighting. And recruiters do not always have the key for identifying, "says union president, who is engaged in promoting the CV to its members 140 firms. The National Association of HRD (ANDRH), building on its 5000 members, also supports this project. "Many HR will find a way to enrich their work," said Charlotte Duda, its president.

"Taking into account all the skills can promote diversity," says his side John Paul Brette. He sees this new resume an alternative to anonymous CV he calls a "false good idea". "It is certainly not the appropriate response to the issue of diversity," said he pay day advance. For diversity, focus and ultramédiatique recruitment, is not without a few questions … Affirmative Syntec is it not a form of discrimination? Firmly convinced that "the most diverse companies are more efficient," John Paul Brette regrets the "paradoxical injunctions issued by public authorities." "Positive discrimination on young people, over 55, women … It is too!" He summarizes.

The CV citizen is also a way to fight against the dehumanization of the hiring process, another great battle cry of union. "Over the past decade, much has been said process, cost, supply chain, up to outsource recruitment via hubs abroad. We forgot to talk about men, "is moved to the union president, referring to the computerized sorting of resumes by keywords.

Faced with this disembodiment, he recalls that "Recruitment is the first act of management." In 2011, the 140 member firms of the organization have done for their client companies hiring 22,000 frames – against 20,000 the previous year. A digit to be reported to the 180,000 hiring managers surveyed last year by Apec. "We cover the entire recruitment process, from defining the business need to integrate the new employee," he says.

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Then prices will drop? In this ritual question about real estate professionals meet today with a little yes. Certainly not a solid yes, frankly, but yes a little, and that is something. Even in the Ile-de-France and Paris, the traditional stronghold of the rise, things are changing. "In 2012, prices should fall by about 5 to 10% in the Ile-de-France," say solicitors. "We expect a relatively sharp decline in activity this year, about 20%, but a decline of more than 5% of prices in France," ahead of his side Pallincourt Rene, President of Fnaim, who is about to give up his siège.Au beyond the delicate exercise of global forecasting, rather symbolic as the evolution of prices can vary depending on the asset markets, all professionals describe the same picture, that of a market slows down, where transactions are less easily. But none ventured to compare the situation to that of 2008. "At that point, everything had stopped, said Sebastien de Lafond, President Meilleursagents.com. This is not the case today, the market remains fluid, even if transaction times are getting longer low fee payday advance. "What has changed in six months? Much and little at a time. Laurent Vimont, president of Century 21, says "a sharp contraction in sales, including in Paris." The slowdown is real: last year, with about 850,000 sales in the former, was a record. This year, professionals expect between 700,000 and 740,000 sales only. "We lost buyers since last July. The apartments and houses that have a default and are too expensive are the same most visited, "said Sebastien de Lafond. "What is new is that Paris is affected by volume, whereas it was the last market to be in 2008," said Mr. Bazaille, president of the Institute for Notarial real estate. The sluggish housing market is not good news for local authorities and public finances. And the change in taxation of capital gains might not make the tax revenue espérées.Finies, flights, quarter after quarter.

"More than at any price"

appetite for stone is real. Credits: Jean-Michel Turpin / Fedephoto

Corsairfly becomes … Corsair International. "A change but not revolution," agrees Pascal de Izaguirre, CEO of the airline of TUI. The leaders of the giant European Tourism chose a facelift to revive the company acquired by Nouvelles Frontieres in 1990 when Jacques Maillot was at the controls. At the time it was called Corse Air International

.

Everything has changed since: the German TUI shareholder meeting in France Marmara Tourinter, New Frontiers and renamed the airline Corsairfly stripped a quarter of its workforce … He has invested hundreds of millions of euros to transform the old a charter company whose regular cabs devices have been fully refurbished mid-2013 with a budget of 36 million euros.

Financially, the subsidiary of TUI could not afford a complete change of name: "Rather than spend a fortune to switch brands, it is better to devote resources to what the customer appreciates the ground or on board" , says Pascal de Izaguirre CEO of Corsair International.  

Erase the image and low-cost charter

A budget of 2.5 million euros will be spent on change of visual identity (logo creation, uniforms, aircraft painting). The first plane scratched white and blue logo of the retro graphics will be delivered in July. The other six, including two new A 330 will follow until mid-April 2013.

But another reason is given by the CEO of Corsairfly to explain the lack of boldness in the choice of name: "The Corsair brand is extremely well known. Hostesses and stewards are known to be friendly and smiling. "The old company Nouvelles Frontieres is certainly an image associated with cheap, but also a Spartan comfort payday loans direct lenders.

"Corsair will celebrate its 31 anniversary this year, little known company such longevity, defends Pascal de Izaguirre. Many have disappeared, new arrivals are. We remove the "fly" but also the name of "smiley" logo TUI, not to hide our group membership, but to erase anything that might suggest the charter or low cost. "…. ….

The team of TUI wants to play the card of elegance, high quality services, while remaining competitive on price. The number of seats "open sea" (comparable to a business class) increases from 24 to 36 in the Boeing 747 and 18 to 26 in the A 330. "We have invested heavily in-flight services, airport lounges to Orly, Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort de France, and soon the meeting …"

New destinations

The relaunch of the company scheduled two years ago falls to one of the worst periods through which the world of air: the rates are low while the cost of jet fuel has stabilized at a very high level that weakens companies.

"This does not undermine our vision and direction, says the CEO of TUI France. We are currently addressing the structural problems of the company and it is not challenged by economic factors. TUI, our shareholder, has powerful resources. He made a choice that takes the long term. "

Corsair International will also review its destinations in September, the company will cease to serve Miami. Instead it will open a line to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, a destination that has grown 15% since the beginning of the year.

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Friday, teams of Deutsche Bahn and SNCF, already associated with the Paris-Frankfurt, will celebrate the opening of a common line between Frankfurt and Marseille – bypassing Paris – via the new Rhine-Rhone. An opportunity to show the harmony that exists today between the two companies.

Because the prospect of greater competition in Europe has clearly brought the views of the two incumbents, long time rivals. Rüdiger Grube, CEO of the German group, pointed out Tuesday in Paris to a gathering of journalists. "There are still a year I would not have thought that we would Guillaume Pepy (SNCF's CEO, Ed) and I agree on all issues!" "We support all the necessary standardization of equipment, the market opening, the creation of a European regulator's rail …, "he says.  

An ally against Brussels

What has happened, then that could heal the scratches between the two competitors? One and one can actually help in their fight on the organization of competition in their respective markets. In France, Guillaume Pepy wants to emulate the French system of railways on that of the Rhine. And what better lawyer than Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn up as a model, could he find to plead this cause? SNCF had the starring role: it umbrella in a joint holding company, the infrastructure manager – in this case Réseau Ferré de France which is among other guarantor of opening the network to new entrants – and the commercial exploitation . The French government, following the Focus on the railway have explored ways to put right a French model of breath last November, expects copies of various stakeholders at the end of this month payday loan lenders.

And on the other side of the Rhine, Rüdiger Grube has also found an ally in France to defend his case in Brussels. For the German model does not satisfy the European Commission. It believes that a pooling group manager of infrastructure and operational activities does not guarantee a fair treatment in respect of competing rail companies of the DB. Last year, the Commission has even raided the headquarters of the DB to investigate possible abuse of dominant position in the supply of electricity to private operators.

Views on Thalys

The discussion between SNCF and DB go beyond the single issue of governance of the rail. For Rüdiger Grube, they could also be extended on the ground and running. Deutsche Bahn admitted and have designs on Thalys, TGV serving Belgium, Holland and Germany, which he holds 10% interest alongside the SNCF (62%) and Belgian railways (28%). "Staying at 10% does not suit us. We're in discussions internally about whether we should go out or go for a 50/50, "said Grube. And beyond in coming decades, the CEO of DB, well imagine a merger of the two groups. "Right now, it's too early but when liberalization has advanced. In twenty or thirty years … "

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The franchisor Monceau Fleurs he bitten off more than it can chew by acquiring Rapid'Flore late 2008 to become number one French? Three years later, the signs of indigestion were in any case become so important that the direction of the florist, which has 487 franchises in the Monceau Fleurs and Rapid'Flore and Happy, was forced to seek entry into backup procedure late last October. She feared not being able to meet its debt repayments -26 million euros, or 42% of its turnover in 2011 (61.8 million) – and wanted to concentrate on major reorganization, initiated a year ago .

Five months later, Monceau Fleurs is about to present its plan to emerge from the backup: the project of spreading the debt will be subject to creditors on April 2, and then to shareholders four days later. The downstream of the largest of these, Laurent Amar, grand-son of the founder of the group, which retains 68% stake in the florist does not have any doubt.

It is himself who decided to change everything or almost in the group he chairs, finding it necessary to surround himself "a strong and experienced team in the field of distribution and management of international companies ". The general manager was created operational for the group now operates in nine countries. It was given to Paul Mir, former Promodès, passed by PPR, Fnac and Kingfisher (Castorama …).

Market restructuring

The complete reorganization-finance, promotions, product management for roses and gerberas, as in the food-distribution shows its effectiveness free online credit report. Current operating income is again slightly positive in its last financial year (ended 30 September 2011), whereas it was negative by about 2 million euros a year earlier. However, this improvement is mainly due to a workforce reduction, increased from 205 to 170 employees grouped on one site in Villebon.

"We are busy making our size, coupled with the integration of Rapid'Flore, and the power of our three brands a real strong market also being restructured," said Paul Mir. According Xerfi, florists accounted for 54% of sales in value and 35% by volume of a market for flowers and plants by 2.3 billion euros. "Their market share, however, tends to fade for several years, primarily for the benefit of the garden," but also large food stores, says the firm.

Of a total of 15,000 florists in France, only 650 are members of a group, of which 490 are a Monceau Fleurs (in cities), Happy (with an offer based on decoration) or Rapid'Flore (in cities average). By offering more services to its franchisees, such as loyalty card or access to a new online store launched in the third quarter, Monceau Fleurs still hopes to strengthen its first position. But in a less risky.

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A few weeks before the start of the tourist season in Greece, industry professionals are concerned about given the country's image abroad. The clashes that broke out between police and demonstrators, repeated strikes in public transport and the crisis affecting the economy, trade and health, greatly tarnish the reputation of "Mediterranean paradise" Greece had so far.

For Francoise Deschamps, Director of Travel Agency Profile in Athens, it is a bad trial because the country. "Violence is not the nature of the Hellenes. There are fewer demonstrations and strikes if they only last a few hours when it comes to archaeological sites. The Acropolis is always accessible to all, "protested she.  

Lower prices

While acknowledging that bookings were down this summer, Francoise Deschamps makes a point of honor to overcome stereotypes, "apart from the American Express (which is rarely accepted because traders are unwilling to pay 7% commission) you can pay everywhere with a credit card or a Visa. No need to bring cash into oneself. Distributors are always stocked, "she says.

The large luxury resort with beach, private pool and gourmet restaurant at the guesthouse, hoteliers were for the most part, forced to lower room rates and offer additional services to each reservation. "Our prices have dropped by at least 20%," says Adrian Vassilikos, director of Airotel, owns six hotels in the country. If the crisis is especially hoteliers, because of increased taxes and reduced bookings, Adrien Vassilikos remains confident: "Tourists know that Athens, like the rest of the country, is one of the most safest in the world. No risk of terrorism or crime. The crisis has not increased the number of pickpockets. To this we must add that in case of accident or illness, we have very capable hospitals, providing care free and urgency, "he said quick cash.

Of solidarity

Tourism is the second largest economic sector in the country, representing 17% of GDP, after shipping. In 2011, Greece has benefited more or less the effect of revolutions and Arab tourism, compared to the previous year, increased by 10%. This year, some professionals rely on the solidarity towards Greece, shot by the crisis. This movement is gaining ground worldwide and in all sectors. Twenty major Greek groups, as the airline Aegean or Coca-Cola Hellenic, even financed full-page newspaper ads French, German, Dutch, Belgian and British. Under the slogan "give a chance to Greece", these advertisers show a country in flux, despite its economic vicissitudes.

A bank of tourism in the study

To improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector, the Greek government uses the aid of the "task force". This working group of the European Commission, whose representatives are installed in the Greek capital, shook the tourism industry. "Being competitive yes, but then to build infrastructure for mass tourism, there is a margin," worries Francoise Deschamps, Director of Travel Agency Profile. "Greece is a country that fits the needs of every tourist. You can still find himself alone on a beach, eating in a tavern or family homestay accommodation is unique and should not destroy it for the sake of competitiveness, "she adds. Several projects are in preparation at the Ministry of Finance including the creation of a bank or tourist development projects of ancient sites, remote islands from Piraeus or agricultural areas.

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The romance between romance novels and digital media should not go unnoticed at the book fair opens its doors today. Special emphasis will indeed be given to the digital revolution, a growing market on which the various places novels in rose water have already made a place in the sun. The editors observe indeed a craze for romance in digital format. The books displayed feelings of record sales in electronic format. On the platform Numilog, the main French eDiffuseur digital books, two books of romance publisher Harlequin France top the list of the four best sellers.

Stéphane Aznar, the Chief Harlequin France asserts that "digital is a significant part of our business and our sales figures for e-books are well above the national average." The subsidiary equally owned by Hachette Livre and the Canadian publisher Harlequin expects to achieve 15% of its business in the digital within two years, where sales of e-books now represents 2-3% of national market value, according to Livres Hebdo. And a number of romance novels who observes an exponential growth in sales in digital format looks forward to continuing its development. The group that is "very early stage in an ambitious way on digital," said Stéphane Aznar, now offers downloadable titles in 1000 and is expected to multiply by three by the end of the year.

Attractive prices

Besides an abundant supply, the editor explains the success of its sales of e-books by lower prices of around 30% of his books to those papers. Now readers of romance novels are very large consumers: "Our readers read 15 to 30 novels a year," said Stephane Aznar. The price factor has a significant impact.

Even finding the United States and England where the market for e-book is much more developed than in France. Susan Edwards, Director of Operations at the U.S. publisher Ellora's Cave (house specializing in erotic novels) and evokes the "voracious appetite" for its readers to the digital format, although more discreet than the paper version. "E-books take up much less space, cost less. And no need either to move into a bookstore to get them, "she says.

The Reader mask coverage

The discomfort that many enthusiasts are having to buy songs or read stories of love also disappears in public with electronic media. Indeed, in transit, the book covers too "flaming" are hidden behind the hulls iPhone or digital reading lights. Gillian Green, editorial director of Ebury, told the Guardian that "there is such a snob vis-à-vis the genre that readers do not assume their tastes. With shelves and reading lights, they no longer have to hide. "

Everything leads us to believe that the romances in electronic format have good times ahead! The New Yorker as well as ensures the success of the ebook in the United States reflects this passion for romance novels.

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