Back Office Diplomat Gifts

"It normally takes ten to twelve business days, but keep in mind we're about to go on a week-long bender."

'Surely you wouldn't want me to laugh at your joke if I didn't think it was funny!'

"Can I savor this for a few moments? The ball's never been in my court before!"

Flags

"They decided giving out pink slips was too impersonal. So now they're blue."

'Don't think of it as being a yes man, think of it as being an employed man.'

"Be patient. He'll have to visit the water cooler sooner or later."

"Well, it looks like the merger is off."

"I need to see your budget proposal."

Inclusive speech

"We can waste time and look for a solution or...just find a scapegoat?"

'Hey, look, I can stand up and shout, too!'

"That's the last time I'm going to allow politics to be discussed in the office."

"I just want you to know that promotion, this office, and those Luna bars were mine!"

'You really want that promotion, don't you, Sherman?'

'I am willing to concede that the company has been underperforming of late...'

'The toughest things you have to deal with in this job, is feelings and lawyers.'

Tug of Negotiation and Conciliation.

"Lost my job. But I'm pretty sure it's around here somewhere."

"You are being overly-defensive again, Brenda!"

'I went into that meeting with a hidden agenda and then forgot where I put it.'

Career Choices

"It looks like the 'because I say so' has it."

'Here's another one that'll make you blow your stack.'

'To close the deal, I had to make some minor concessions.'

'Would you be interested in attending a stress management seminar?'

'Congratulations Smith, you got that promotion. Commiserations Reid, you got that demotion.'

"How come you always take Amnesty International's side?"

"If I can't get a firm decision, I'd accept a wobbly acquiescence."

"I was going to have my people call his people, but I’m pretty sure his people have Caller I.D."

Office meeting

HR - Helping Relationships

'You lack the expertise we're looking for, Mr Wheaton - but darn it, I like your attitude.'

"When I said to convince him of the need for change I was hoping you'd use the seductive power of reason and logic."

'So, now we have ascertained who is responsible...'