Want a Raise? Take Your Boss Hostage!

               The French are famous for many things. The Eifel Tower, fine wines, delicious baked goods, impressionist art and a general sense of haute couture. However, we do not usually think of the French when it comes to the art of negotiation.

               French labor unions have mastered a new technique for negotiations. French workers are known for going on strike to express their dissatisfaction. Taking it a step further, workers have taken to kidnapping executives in order to make a point and make their demands.

               In a Goodyear plant, located in Amiens, France, union workers were frustrated by the company’s plans to close the plant. The union apparently had enough. Two of the plant’s executives were held in an office at the site and the doors were blocked off with large farm tires (after all it was a Goodyear plant).

by Rubohcity from Wiki Commons

               The two bosses were allowed to keep their cell phones and communicate with family while the union presented its demands. The workers wanted a severance package of $108,000 for each employee, plus $3,400 for each year worked. Who wouldn’t want a deal like that?

               As it turns out, it is somewhat common for French unions to hold company leaders hostage. It certainly helps create media attention and perhaps sympathy, at least by some people. The legal penalties seem relatively minor for these offenses. It is almost like an inside joke, a way to vent frustration with a stingy boss or company. In this case, the two men were released after being held for two days. Unfortunately, the union members also set fire to tires around the perimeter of the site, creating clouds of black smoke.

               In the past, executives from other companies, such as 3M, Sony and Caterpillar have been held hostage during labor negotiations. Company leaders working in France may need to start demanding ‘danger’ pay to compensate for the risks.

               On the serious side, this was part of a long, ongoing feud between executives and the workers. Ironically, the left-wing union, accused French President Francois Hollande, a member of the socialist party, of working in cohorts with the business.

               The lesson here is a reminder to keep in mind the morale of employees and consider the impact on an organization. It may not result in someone blocked into an office with tractor tires in the doorways, but ongoing tension can lead to acts of workplace violence or sabotage. Businesses cannot bend to every demand or union bargaining tactic. However, leaders should give realistic thought to concerns such as raises, bonuses and the general well-being of employees. Overlooking those concerns can, in the long run, be detrimental to the bottom line.

               For companies operating in other countries and dealing with other cultures, it is a valuable reminder to consider differences as to how businesses operate, and the associated risks from work stoppages to executive kidnappings.

               In the meantime, if you want a raise, consider the “French Press” method of negotiation and hold your boss hostage. Of course, along with the raise, you may want to ask for immunity too.

              

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.

Can You Say Dystopia?

            It was only a few years ago when first heard the word dystopia. It was listed as the world’s number one threat, according to the World Economic Forum. I was not even certain what it meant, although I guessed, correctly as it turns out, that it was the opposite of utopia. So instead of a perfect world filled with happiness and tranquility, dystopia is a dysfunctional world built on anarchy, chaos, unrest and unhappiness.

            The scariest part of this is not that dystopia was the top worry. No, the most frightening part was that my daughter knew exactly what dystopia was. In fact, she likes reading books that are part of a genre increasing in popularity: dystopian books.

            Detective stories, spy thrillers and science fiction seem to be fading into the past. Instead, readers want grim, stark, even depressing views of the future. Oppressive governments, survival struggles and dark battles for freedom call to modern readers. Along those same lines, even zombies lurch across our TV screens in apocalyptic dramas.

            In the not-so-distant past, books about the future painted a much more optimistic view. Space travel, flying cars and an overall quality of life better than the present was depicted.

            I am not convinced that our entertainment proves anything or not about the coming world. However, it is easy to see where these dark, pessimistic ideas come from.

            The news is full of stories about natural disasters, terrorism, fiscal cliffs, government spying on allies and citizens, economic turmoil and ruinous healthcare reform. All of the current topics point directly to fear and uncertainty.

            Throughout history, there have been horrors and challenges. The popularity of dystopian books may have no connection with what the future actually holds. I do know that it is sad that my daughter’s fictional future is filled with oppression, tyranny and defeat, maybe even zombies; rather than great achievements and advancement like space exploration or medical triumphs. People need hope and dreams. And the freedom to pursue those dreams. Without these, we will truly live in a dystopia.

 

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.

The Hidden Risk Menacing Businesses

Often, we know the risks facing us. That piece of cake tempting you is full of calories, posing a risk to your weight. Those French fries put your cholesterol at risk. Even at work, we do, or should, recognize various risks – lights out in the parking garage, for example, put employees at risk when they leave after dark.

However, there are those hidden threats that may not ever cross our minds and yet, are no less dangerous or damaging.

The World Economic Forum has released their annual report on global risks. The report looks at various challenges facing society around the world. Some examples have been concerns about water shortages, famine, price collapse, weather, political instability and severe storms. The last two years, the report highlights the threat of economic disparity, leading to social unrest, or dystopia (as in the opposite of utopia).

It is not hard to imagine. There have been riots in countries like Greece, based on economic fears. Adding to the fuel are the constant media reports mentioning the “one-percent” or the wealthiest 1% of the world’s population.

Greek riots - news photo

Throughout history, revolutions have often been based on exactly that kind of wealth imbalance. The French Revolution of the 18^th Century is a classic example. There has been a breaking point, in which people oppressed have enough and step up to throw off the yoke and change their governments. Even the American Revolution was sparked by higher taxes to pay for benefits of a government far away.

What does this mean for businesses? If employees feel like they are being left behind, financially, with no raises or decreasing benefits, then there is the real risk of employee dissatisfaction and resentment. Especially if the company is growing or profitable and is not rewarding employees. Various news articles have shown that recent corporate profits, as a percentage of GDP have grown, while wages have stagnated.

This translates into poor morale and decrease in productivity and even elevates the risk of internal theft by some. There is a maxim amongst loss prevention professionals that 10% of people will never steal, 10% will always try to steal and 80% can be swayed either way. Employees who are frustrated with their company are more likely to use that as another way to justify dishonest behavior. That increases the risk that at least some of those employees in the 80% group will embezzle, cheat, steal or just chase away customers.

Aftermath of Greek riots - news photo

Depending on your business, there are lots of ways employees can sabotage you, whether intentionally or not. Poor customer service and poor quality control are some examples. Productivity may drop if employees no longer strive as hard. Employees may even be more prone to ‘sweetheart’ deals and give away product, even to strangers if they are not happy at work, such as giving away coffee at convenience stores.

Business leaders need to pay attention to the potential unrest and make rewarding employees a top priority when the company is successful. If not, you could send a message as Marie Antoinette did when she famously declared, “Let them eat cake” when told her citizens had no food to eat. And we know how that ended – at the guillotine!

 

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense.  He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management.  Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces.  To learn more email eric@businesskarate.com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at eric@businesskarate.com.