Boardroom Genius Gifts

"My report to the board was perfect. They did not understand a word of it and now think I'm smarter than them."

"I'm going to bombard you with graphs until you agree with me."

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

"Marshall, somewhere out there, just waiting for us, is a loophole in the system."

Golly, �1m a year isn't too much. I don't know why your shareholders don't understand you.

"I'm razzled, but not dazzled."

'And I'm happy to say, that since the merger...'

'The good news is we're projecting a profit. The bad news is none of us will be alive then.'

He was destined for greatness. Whatever that meant.

"Thank you for that summation of the charts."

'Great news this quarter! Losses are up in smoke, profits are high, and we're seeing lots of green!'

'The good news is, we did as well as expected last quarter. The bad news is, we didn't expect to do too well.'

"In the event of an actual S.E.C. investigation, legal representation will drop from the ceiling."

'I had a thought. Let's scrap everything and start a new fiscal year right now.'

"Oh dear...I don't think negotiations are going too well..."

"Peterson proposes we move out of the mountains."

"I see we're going up against the Big Guys."

'I've stepped on so many people for the last 20 years to get where I'm at, and I'm still only a middle manager.'

"Before I read the financial report I have to ask... do any of you have a weapon?"

The Importance of Planning Thoroughly in Advance

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

"May I offer a very different scenario?"

'Well, I'm not very satisfied with our customers, either.'

'By the time I climbed up to this job, I was too tired to do it.'

"The good news is we've used up all our bad ideas."

"He's not sleeping. He always dims his display while downloading data."

'Perkins, you really know to suck the joy out of a 3rd quarter report.'

'You can't put him out to pasture - he owns the pasture!'

'Maybe you should reconsider those place cards, Ms Harris?' (Negotiation talks/Good Guys/Bad Guys)

'This merger will cut jobs 40%, reduce salaries 30% and increase the work hours 25%. Your job is to make this look like the best thing that ever happened to our employees.'

'You're closer to the Big Guy than anyone. Will you help us kill him?'

'As chairman, that's my opinion. I propose we table any motion to further discuss this matter. All those in favor say 'aye'. All those opposed say 'bye'.'

'That's true son..Money can't buy happiness. But it makes being unhappy a little easier to live with.'

'Who wants the talking stick?'

'I've chosen you for fresh, new ideas.'