Hotel groups are increasingly embracing franchising as they pursue lighter, more scalable business models. But the shift from management agreement to franchise agreement is creating new tensions around control, independence, risk and responsibility.

When we think of Christian Dior, we envision graceful silhouettes, the iconic New Look and Parisian elegance. But Dior was also a devoted gourmet who understood gastronomy, hospitality and the art of entertaining as part of a refined way of life.

As health and longevity trends increasingly challenge alcohol consumption, wine deserves a more nuanced discussion. Beyond its health implications, wine has played an important role in human history, culture and social life for thousands of years. Is it fair to treat all alcoholic beverages alike?

Did you know that the atmosphere can account for up to 20% of how much we enjoy a drink? Beyond taste and smell, lighting, music, surroundings and company all influence our dining experience. In fine dining and luxury hospitality, the environment can make all the difference.

What makes some negotiators more effective than others? Beyond experience, education and intelligence, certain personal qualities can make a real difference. Discover the essential characteristics that contribute to successful negotiation.

Despite the convenience of instant messaging and virtual communication, face-to-face meetings remain essential to successful negotiations. Even with limited time and budgets, negotiators should not underestimate the importance of human interaction. Here are five reasons why meeting in person can lead to better negotiation outcomes.

Creativity is an essential skill in negotiation. When faced with rejection, conflicting interests or obstacles, creative negotiators can find solutions that others overlook. Discover why creativity matters in negotiation and how to use it to achieve better outcomes.

Stress is an inevitable part of negotiation, but it is not always our enemy. A certain level of stress can sharpen our focus and improve performance, while excessive stress can affect our judgment and decision-making. How can negotiators learn to manage stress and use it to their advantage?

Strategic partnerships can help businesses achieve more than they could on their own. But a successful partnership must create additional value for both parties: 1 + 1 should equal 3, not 2. Here are five steps to building partnerships that deliver lasting results.

Change is inevitable, but the speed and complexity of today’s disruptions present new challenges for negotiators. As technologies, rules and expectations evolve, adaptability becomes an essential skill. How can negotiators adjust to changing circumstances and turn uncertainty into opportunity?

Too many negotiators rely on experience and instinct rather than proper preparation. Yet successful negotiation requires more than knowing what you want. Taking the time to anticipate challenges, understand the other party and plan ahead can make a significant difference. Here are five tips to prepare more effectively.

French gastronomy is more than a culinary tradition. It is also a powerful instrument of cultural influence and diplomacy. France has long used its cuisine to build relationships, promote its culture and strengthen its international influence.

A bad reputation will always precede you. If you come to the negotiation table with a bad reputation, your counterpart will rightly be on the defensive despite considering a deal with you. Counterparts will be cautious and less inclined to make concessions. A good reputation brings more business and better business referrals. I personally prefer doing business and negotiating with people who have a positive record for generating money not only for themselves, but also for their partners. These are win-win partners.

Like athletes, CEOs can reach a steady continuous stream of performance through flow. Like navigator, they are intuitive and adaptive and can react with equal skill to good fortune and adversity. We have a lot to learn from.

Along with meditation, visualization techniques can be useful to negotiators. They improve creativity, confidence, and focus. Visualization basically consists in mapping your mind through a repeated projection of images and positive energy. These are things you want to happen and you believe in. It’s like working on a puzzle with the advantage of already knowing how the puzzle will look like when completed.

Most people are risk sensitive, especially when they are pushed to make a choice and money is involved. This sensitivity is fuelled by the attention we develop for negative aspects of things and bad news. The feeling of pain is also greater than the pleasure of gain.

If given a chance at an opportunity with a high potential payoff but an uncertain outcome, most will choose to stay home.

This is perfect example of failure in negotiation and influence and a great negotiation tip for readers. Gerard Ratner, CEO of Ratner Group lost his business, reputation and fortune almost overnight for forgetting some basic principles of negotiation and influence.